If there’s one thing we know about Howie Roseman and the Eagles, it’s that they have a consistent team-building philosophy:
Build a strong QB room, protect the QB with a deep offensive line, and get after the QB on the other side of the ball.
Say what you will about their success in doing that recently, but this organization won its very first championship in 2017 doing just that. While Eagles fans are salivating at the idea of drafting a difference-making linebacker like Devin Lloyd or Nakobe Dean, we might have to resign to the reality that that will not happen. The more likely outcome is that Howie attacks one or two of the three positions listed above in the first round. A name to look out for is Boye Mafe.
Profile
- Boye Mafe
- 6’3″
- 261 lbs.
- 4.53 40 yd. dash
- 81.5″ Wingspan
- Projected: Late 1st– early 2nd
- Notable 2021 stats: 6 sacks, 30 tackles, 9 TFL (career highs)
Listed as an EDGE, Mafe probably best projects as a 3-4 OLB in the NFL. Now, the Eagles do primarily run out of a 4-3. Gannon has been known to mix up looks on his defense based on personnel available. The Eagles’ coaching staff preaches their ideology of tailoring their schemes to the abilities of their players, so if they were to draft Mafe, this wouldn’t be a square peg- round hole situation. However, he is probably someone that you may have to be patient with as they develop. Eagles fans don’t have much patience, so this move would likely come with many scrutinies, as does everything Roseman does. As of this point, he’s a high ceiling player that needs to develop some consistency as a pass rusher.
Strengths:
- Freak athlete
- Good natural burst and drive
- Moves well in space
- Good size
- Versatile/can play Special Teams
- Extremely high motor
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent as a pass rusher
- Not a deep repertoire of pass rush moves (can develop here)
- Latches onto blocks easily in run defense
- Football IQ is still growing
Summary
Concerns about how he may develop in Gannon’s scheme are valid, and he may end up starting his career with most of his reps on Special Teams. In a stacked draft class for DE, Mafe would probably be a bit of a reach as a mid-first-round pick where the Eagles currently sit, but it should be considered a steal if he can be had in the 2nd round. For more Draft coverage click here.
Kyle Quinn is the host of the Birds Eye Q show on Edge of Philly Sports. A graduate of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Kyle works as a producer at 94WIP Philadelphia, where the conversation is non-stop 4 for 4 Philly sports. If you like argumentative and strong opinions with a deep knowledge of the Philadelphia Eagles, Birds Eye Q is the place for you.
