Seahawks likely already eyeing these draft replacements for Boye Mafe

There is still a chance that Boye Mafe returns to the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent. Among their players hitting the market, Mafe could become a priority on defense if DeMarcus Lawrence decides to leave in retirement. 

Lawrence hasn't made a final declaration on retirement just yet, but the rumors are out there, which means the Seahawks will need to attend to the edge rusher position, and bringing Mafe back if Lawrence doesn't walk away would make the most sense since Mafe played behind him for most of last season. 

That said, Mafe could still sign elsewhere in free agency, leaving the Seahawks to needing to fill a hole regardless, and they could do that through the NFL Draft, and there are a few options out there that according to their specs and skill sets, could fit right in Mafe's empty slot, and who would also give Seattle a simialr presence of versitality and explosiveness.

Illinois's Gabe Jacas leads the list of draft prospects Seattle Seahawks could target to replace Boye Mafe

Gabe Jacas, Illinois

Like Mafe, Jacas brings physicality, versatility, and explosiveness off the edge with the ability to collapse the pocket. Jacas recorded 11 sacks last season with the Illini and 20 over the past two seasons, along with over 40 quarterback pressures.

While Jacas didn't work out at the combine last week, his film should give Seattle everything they need to properly assess the 6-foot-4, 260-pound edge rusher.

T.J. Parker, Clemson

Another physical edge rusher that brings explosiveness off the line, Parker's 19.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and six forced fumbles two seasons ago with the Tigers screams Seahawks football. Every game last season, it seemed like the Seahawks forced a fumble, thanks to their knack for ripping the ball out of arms and hands.

Parker didn't have that same 2025 season, which could move him down the draft board, but that could fall in Seattle's favor. Parker comes in at 6-foot-4, 263 pounds with a lot of motor behind him. 

Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

Howell isn't the largest edge rusher available at 6-foot-3 and just 253 pounds, but he is versatile — a trait that the Seahawks' defense and coaching staff valued greatly last season, which could work in Howell's favor. He has elite burst off the line and was named an All-American after registering 11.5 sacks this past season.

Howell can certainly get to the quarterback, but, considering that he's entering the draft as a top defender prospect, he could be off the board by the time Seattle has a chance. Other teams would have to make the mistake of passing up on him, but if the Seahawks have an opportunity to take him, it could be their best pick of the entire draft.