New York Giants 7 Round Mock Draft: Fleecing division rivals with trades, adding starters
By Ryan Messick
Round 2, Pick No. 36: Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
Mafe had seven sacks last year, and scouts love his lateral agility and physical hands. He’s a pass-rush specialist, but he can occasionally cover in the flats or defend the run.
At this point in his development, I’m not sure that he’d slot in as an every-down player in Don Martindale’s defense, but he could definitely get onto the field in passing situations and mix in here and there otherwise.
He’s not limited to being a stand-up rusher, although that’s his best fit overall and also within the Giants scheme.
Mafe was the Senior Bowl’s National Player of the Game after notching a pair of sacks and forcing a fumble, which certainly impacted his position on some draft boards.
On the downside, he does struggle sometimes against the run, especially when linemen close down on him quickly. He can also improve some of his fundamentals in terms of keeping a low center of gravity and using his leverage against the run.
I don’t expect Mafe to be a home run pick in terms of being an immediate starter and Pro Bowler, but I do think he can contribute significantly in year one and grow from there.