Name: Benson Mayowa
Position: DE
College: Idaho
Height: 6-3
Weight: 240
Draft: Undrafted in 2013, signed with Seattle
Games Studied: 2015 vs. Green Bay, San Diego (twice), Denver (twice)
Report: Mayowa was brought into the league as a 4-3 defensive end with the Seahawks. He moved on to Oakland and with coaching changes was moved to outside linebacker in a 3-4. That said, there were plenty of snaps during his time in Oakland that he put his hand on the ground and rushed the passer.
He actually did a nice job of creating pressure opposite Khalil Mack, all while rushing from the right side -- but has also shown the ability to come from both sides. I would like to see him use his hands more effectively to break a blocker down when rushing the passer.
Mayowa has a rangy, long build with an exceptional first step. He can get off the ball, and his lack of bulk doesn't hinder his ability to hold up against the run. He can get his hands inside quickly and control blockers. Against Green Bay, he was able to handle a pretty good tackle in David Bakhtiari with one arm on several snaps.
Surprisingly, the film shows him walking tackles back in the pocket. He plays with some short-area quickness and a burst. He can run the play down from the back side. There is some very good lateral speed and quickness. He can bend and redirect on the blocker. He is always on the move and can come to balance quickly when he has to stop.
Against the Chargers, he caused a turnover when he chased the running back down the field and ripped the ball from his hands on the tackle. He is a wrap-up tackler when he gets in position. He plays his assignment and sees through his responsibilities. If he has backside contain, he will maintain his position, then react.
Bottom line: Mayowa shows range, effort and motor to finish plays. There are a lot of positive traits to his game.
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