2022 NFL Mock Draft: Dallas Cowboys reach for surprise EDGE
By Randy Gurzi
Dallas Cowboys land Boye Mafe after Cards snatch up Tyler Linderbaum in 2022 NFL Mock Draft
Pick Analysis. 23. player. 32. Scouting Report. C. Iowa. Tyler Linderbaum
23. Arizona Cardinals: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Rodney Hudson is 32-years old and coming off a rough season for the Arizona Cardinals. That could lead to them looking for his replacement and they find that in this draft as Tyler Linderbaum is available at No. 23.
Linderbaum is easily the top interior line prospect in this class and not only could he provide an upgrade over what Hudson did in 2021, but he could allow them to make a cost-cutting move as well. And with Kyler Murray wanting a new deal, that’s something they may be needing to do.
Scouting Report. Minnesota. 24. 123. Pick Analysis. EDGE. Boye Mafe. player
24. Dallas Cowboys: Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
The Dallas Cowboys are another team that could be looking at Tyler Linderbaum, but with him going off the board one pick before they’re up, they change course and bring in Boye Mafe out of Minnesota.
It might feel like a stretch for Mafe to go into Round 1, but it probably shouldn’t be. While he might not be ready to start from day one, he is a guy who plays with a non-stop motor and showed an increase in performance every season with the Gophers, as pointed out by Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network.
"” I do believe Mafe is more of a developmental player than a plug-and-play starter, but the trajectory of Mafe’s play with the Gophers has been on a steady increase for the entirety of his career with the program, culminating with a career year in 2021 with six sacks, nine tackles for loss, and 30 tackles (all career highs). Mafe has bright flashes of nuance at times but the consistency is where his NFL team is going to require patience from him as he continues to grow a better feel for the game, particularly in deconstructing blocks and being a persistent threat as an outside pass rusher.”"
Dallas can actually take their time with Mafe since they have DeMarcus Lawrence, Dante Fowler, and Dorance Armstrong and in the end, Mafe could become a fixture in their defense.