4 Seattle Seahawks players that are absolutely set to explode in 2023

Seattle Seahawks edge rusher Boye Mafe

We have written quite a bit on this website this offseason that we are expecting Boye Mafe to have a breakout season. Mafe wasn't bad in his rookie season, but his reps should go up a lot in 2023. Last year, Mafe was still learning how to be a productive NFL edge rusher. He was given a plus grade (72.6) in run defense in 2022, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), but he only played on 191 run defense snaps.

Mafe's pass rush grade wasn't nearly as good, but he still had 10 total pressures on 187 pass rush snaps. He had 3 sacks. In other words, while he wasn't extremely productive in pass rush, he was better than what it might seem based on raw numbers. And Mafe has excellent size and speed for his size - he is 6'4" and 265 pounds - where he can likely power through opponents or be quicker than they are.

Mafe has been a standout this offseason, especially in training camp, as well. While sure, things could change when real games begin, Mafe himself has said that the difference between this year's training camp versus last year is night and day. He knows better what to expect from the team and himself. He should also know better what to expect from other teams when real games begin, too.

We know that one edge rush spot will be given to Uchenna Nwosu. Mafe started opposite Nwosu in the mock game last week, and if Week 1 were this weekend, Mafe would probably start then as well. His snap count is going to go up a ton this season and Mafe could get to 10 sacks in 2023 while playing stellar run defense.