LA Rams mock 2022 NFL Draft, grabbing OL and Edge value

Round 5: Pick 169

With the 169th pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams select Boye Mafe, EDGE rusher, from the University of Minnesota. While Mafe has played the role of a defensive end on the even defensive front of the Minnesota Golden Gopher defense, he has the chops to play a hybrid DE/OLB role in the NFL.

Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing a powerful 265-pounds, he has all the size and power to stick his hand in the dirt and attack the line of scrimmage with a fury and passion that will eventually force an NFL quarterback to scamper away from him. He has that predator mindset, like a wolf trailing a wounded rabbit, or a great white shark hunting a wounded tuna.

Booyah Boye Mafe

But he has all of the right tools to play an outstanding outside linebacker in an NFL odd-man front as well.  He has shown the ability to drop off the line and cover in the flat and does so naturally. He has a natural body length that allows him to cover a wide radius in pass coverage, and a natural pursuit speed that works just as well in pursuit of receivers on their pass routes.

He is a fluid body of motion, a powerhouse combining speed, brute strength, great balance, and remarkable handwork into a violent and undeniable duststorm of disaster to any quarterback trying to set up to throw a pass downfield.

Most importantly, Mafe showed impressive development and growth in each season of competing at the collegiate level. He capped off an impressive senior year by recording six quarterback sacks, nine tackles for a loss, 30 tackles, and one forced fumble in 11 games. Whether he places a hand in the dirt or stands up, he is a force to be reckoned with.