Pete Carroll: Former Gopher Boye Mafe 'the most improved player' in Seahawks camp

Former Minnesota Gophers edge rusher Boye Mafe had a solid first season in the NFL but according to Pete Carroll, he could take another step this year with the Seattle Seahawks.

Carroll had high praise for Mafe during a session with the media on Friday, calling him "the most improved guy" during training camp. He also said that Mafe is battling to be one of the Seahawks' featured rushers and a fixture for Seattle on early downs.

"Mafe probably appears to be like the most improved guy from last year," Carroll said. "It's really early, but he's shown so many bright moments out here [against the] run and pass."

Mafe played in all 17 games for the Seahawks in his rookie season, making three starts and collecting three sacks and 41 tackles, but there could be room for more. 

Mafe ranked second on the Seahawks and 26th out of 129 qualifying edge rushers (min. 200 snaps) with a 72.6 Pro Football Focus grade against the run last year, and if he can improve on his pass rush, he could be a better player in 2023.

"If you talk to Boye...he'll tell you the difference between where his mind is right now compared to last year," Carroll said.

"He can't even imagine how he played last year. He felt like he knew so little compared to where he is now. So that's the sophomore jump we're talking about. He's really made it and...I'm hoping that will continue."