Matthew Judon compares Marte Mapu to two Patriots greats
Foxboro, Mass. – Marte Mapu has earned high praise from one New England Patriots veteran linebacker. Following the second day of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, Matthew Judon spoke with the media and when asked about the rookie, he voiced his approval along with comparing him to two Patriot greats. “We’ve had people like that here […]
Foxboro, Mass. – Marte Mapu has earned high praise from one New England Patriots veteran linebacker.
Following the second day of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, Matthew Judon spoke with the media and when asked about the rookie, he voiced his approval along with comparing him to two Patriot greats.
“We’ve had people like that here all the time. You have people like Jamie Collins or Hightower and stuff like that. It’s just new names. It’s just new names in that situation," Judon said. "And I’m not saying they’re gonna be as good as those guys or leave a legacy as those guys, but they have a chance. And that’s all you kind of ask for.”
Both Collins and Hightower were drafted by the Patriots straight out of college similar to Mapu and had successful careers in New England.
Collins had three separate stints with the Patriots, spending a total of seven years under the direction of Bill Belichick. The linebacker was a part of the team during the 2014 season, when New England defeated the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX after Malcolm Butler intercepted the Seahawks on the goal line in the final seconds of the game.
As for Dont'a Hightower, the linebacker spent his entire nine season career with the Patriots after being drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Along with being a part of the Super Bowl XLIX win, Hightower also claimed a ring during in the Patriots victories against the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams.
With resumes like that, it is quite the accolade for Mapu to be named alongside the two linebackers.
"I think just his speed and how big he is,” Judon said about what impressed him about Mapu. “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.”
Mapu has been seen getting reps at deep safety, with the Patriots in need of filling the position after Devin McCourty retired.
However, there is still a lot of time left before the seasons starts, with this just being the beginning for the rookie.
“And so with (Mapu) when he comes out here, when he puts on those pads, he’s gonna have to show it. It’s easy to do it in shorts and shirts, but I think he has the ability and uniqueness to be a really good player.”
Featured Image via Sophie Weller – A to Z Sports
