Patriots leader gives his scouting report on top defensive rookies
FOXBORO, Mass. – The New England Patriots picked up some key defensive players in the 2023 NFL draft, and with OTAs starting up, they have their chance to shine. While the Patriots' first-round pick cornerback Christian Gonzalez was an unexpected absence, defensive end Keion White and linebacker Marte Mapu were both in attendance. A leader […]
FOXBORO, Mass. – The New England Patriots picked up some key defensive players in the 2023 NFL draft, and with OTAs starting up, they have their chance to shine.
While the Patriots' first-round pick cornerback Christian Gonzalez was an unexpected absence, defensive end Keion White and linebacker Marte Mapu were both in attendance.
A leader in the locker room, Ja'Whaun Bentley had high praise for all the new additions to the defense, including White and Mapu, saying, "We've got a lot of smart guys."
With their second pick in the second round of the NFL Draft, the Patriots chose White, a defensive end out of Georgia Tech. At 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, White recorded a total of 54 tackles in his final collegiate season, with 29 of them being solo tackles. He also ended the season with 7.5 sacks.
"The first thing that jumps out is his attention to detail. And he's able to pick up on things fast and around this time, that's kind of the main thing we want to see," Bentley said. "It's been good to see him work."
Right after drafting White, the Patriots selected Marte Mapu, a linebacker from Sacramento State, in the third round of the draft. Mapu had a total of 65 tackles in his final season (37 solo) with one sack and two interceptions.
"Smart, instinctual. He's good with asking questions too. Especially if he doesn't know. A lot of guys kind of get bashful at a new spot. Hesitant to ask certain things, but he jumps right on it," Bentley said. "He's all around a dynamic player… He's a versatile tool, so excited about it."
However, Mapu had on a red non-contact jersey during the OTAs session on Wednesday, but was still seen taking part in the drills.
With plenty of time to go until the season starts, it's going to take more than just being "smart" for these rookies to earn a prime place on the roster.
Featured Image via Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
