ESPN names Patriots' 'surprise offseason standout'
One New England Patriots rookie has made quite the impression during his short time on the team. On Tuesday, ESPN released the 'surprise offseason standouts' for all 32 NFL teams, and the selection for the Patriots is one whose position still remains unknown. The player in question: Marte Mapu. Mapu is coming off an injury, having […]
One New England Patriots rookie has made quite the impression during his short time on the team.
On Tuesday, ESPN released the 'surprise offseason standouts' for all 32 NFL teams, and the selection for the Patriots is one whose position still remains unknown.
The player in question: Marte Mapu.
Mapu is coming off an injury, having torn his right pectoral muscle in February. Throughout organized team activities and mandatory minicamp, the rookie had a red non-contact jersey.
Yet, he has already earned a lot of recognition, being compared to two Patriots greats by Matthew Judon.
"I think just his speed and how big he is,” Judon said about what impressed him about Mapu during minicamp. “He runs like a free safety, but he stands like a linebacker or edge players, so that’s another guy that can play on all three levels.”
The Patriots selected Mapu in the third round with the 76th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The linebacker spent three seasons at Sacramento State and in his final season he recorded 65 total tackles with one sack, one forced fumble, and one interception.
However, while he is listed as a linebacker on the roster, Mapu has also taken some reps at safety, with the rookie being looked at as a possible replacement for Devin McCourty. He also primarily played defensive back in college.
Mapu signed his rookie contract on June 9, with his signing bonus expected to be between $1,027,588 and $1,049,780, while his four-year contract will be worth between $5,537,932 and $5,568,446.
Matthew Judon compares Marte Mapu to two Patriots greats
The Patriots’ third-round pick is earning high praise.
Featured Image via Sophie Weller – A to Z Sports
