Patriots third-round picks receives somewhat interesting player comp
The New England Patriots broke their own mold when they selected Sacramento State linebacker Marte Mapu in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Known for valuing bigger “thumper” linebackers, Mapu, who was announced as a linebacker at the 2023 NFL Draft, is listed at just 6-foot-3, 216 pounds and mostly played defensive back […]
The New England Patriots broke their own mold when they selected Sacramento State linebacker Marte Mapu in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Known for valuing bigger “thumper” linebackers, Mapu, who was announced as a linebacker at the 2023 NFL Draft, is listed at just 6-foot-3, 216 pounds and mostly played defensive back in college.
The Patriots have other tweener safeties/linebackers on their roster in Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips and Jabrill Peppers, but they’re all listed as safeties. Mapu seems different.
Mapu had big fans prior to the draft in NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah and Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy.
“What really stood out immediately was the chase speed and range,” Nagy told ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “And then the striking ability. For 219-220 pounds, he has serious snap in his body. He reminds me a little bit of Telvin Smith, who was a really good player at Florida State and the Jaguars [2014-18]. In the 9-on-7 inside run drill, he comes downhill and he just buckles people.”
Smith, who was listed at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, was a Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro until serious off-field issues derailed a promising career. The Patriots typically haven't rostered undersized linebackers in the mold of Mapu.
Here’s what Jeremiah had to say about Mapu before and after he was picked by New England:
Mapu has a chance to earn immediate playing time in New England as Chris Board, Olakunle Fatukasi, Terez Hall, Raekwon McMillan, Calvin Munson, Jahlani Tavai and Mack Wilson compete for snaps behind Ja’Whaun Bentley.
Featured image via Sacramento State Athletics
