Lions meet with sleeper draft prospect
The Detroit Lions are keeping a close eye on one of the most intriguing offensive line prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Draft Network’s Justin Melo reports that the Lions, along with the Washington commanders, had a top-30 meeting with UCLA IOL Atonio Mafi. Considered to be a late-round sleeper, Mafi could be one […]
The Detroit Lions are keeping a close eye on one of the most intriguing offensive line prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Draft Network’s Justin Melo reports that the Lions, along with the Washington commanders, had a top-30 meeting with UCLA IOL Atonio Mafi.
Considered to be a late-round sleeper, Mafi could be one of the draft’s hidden gems along the offensive line.
Interestingly enough, Mafi began his collegiate career as a defensive lineman, but made the switch to left guard in the 2020 season. In 2022, Mafi underwent a breakout season earning second-team All-Pac 12 honors.
Mafi is a road grader in the run game with the ability to drive defenders into the ground. His defensive line background contributes to one of his biggest strengths in hand placement.
He’s still got a ways to go as a pass protector, but has shown flashes in that area. Mafi has a high enough ceiling for teams to take a chance on him early in Day Three. The Lions could use depth at the left guard position behind starter Jonah Jackson, so Mafi would certainly fill one of Detroit’s draft needs.