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Didn't see anyone mentioning this, but it's pretty impressive that he's already shown the coaches enough where he's running with the starters:
One thing that really stood out last week was the fact that third-round pick Marte Mapu was already front and center running with the starters.
The 6’3″, 216lb rookie third-round pick out of Sacramento State was known in college for his high-energy play and his tremendous athleticism, as well as his knack for being around the football.
Greg Bedard of BostonSportsJournal.com was among those who noted Mapu being out there and he believes, if last week was any indication, he’ll potentially be a factor this season.
“The other thing I really thought was notable, to me, was in the opening session to practice, Marte Mapu, the rookie draft pick was, despite being in a red non-contact jersey after going through surgery, was right out there with the starters as a sub-linebacker,” said Bedard. “To me, that jumped out. That’s something that you do not see very often and to me, that says they have big plans for Mapu moving forward.”
Clearly, Mapu gave the coaching staff plenty of confidence before the beginning of the workouts, where they felt comfortable putting him out there.
He’s definitely a guy who made a lot of noise in college. In 41 games, Mapu totaled 11 interceptions along with 94 tackles, including 13 for a loss. He also had 22 career passes defended.
Along with his athletic ability, he’s also a big hitter, and opponents often had a difficult time blocking him. His film was impressive, with Mapu frequently slipping past blocks and still making the play.
It’s still early, but given Mapu’s track record and how explosive he was in college, it appears like the Patriots may have some big plans for him in 2023.
One thing that really stood out last week was the fact that third-round pick Marte Mapu was already front and center running with the starters.
The 6’3″, 216lb rookie third-round pick out of Sacramento State was known in college for his high-energy play and his tremendous athleticism, as well as his knack for being around the football.
Greg Bedard of BostonSportsJournal.com was among those who noted Mapu being out there and he believes, if last week was any indication, he’ll potentially be a factor this season.
“The other thing I really thought was notable, to me, was in the opening session to practice, Marte Mapu, the rookie draft pick was, despite being in a red non-contact jersey after going through surgery, was right out there with the starters as a sub-linebacker,” said Bedard. “To me, that jumped out. That’s something that you do not see very often and to me, that says they have big plans for Mapu moving forward.”
Clearly, Mapu gave the coaching staff plenty of confidence before the beginning of the workouts, where they felt comfortable putting him out there.
He’s definitely a guy who made a lot of noise in college. In 41 games, Mapu totaled 11 interceptions along with 94 tackles, including 13 for a loss. He also had 22 career passes defended.
Along with his athletic ability, he’s also a big hitter, and opponents often had a difficult time blocking him. His film was impressive, with Mapu frequently slipping past blocks and still making the play.
It’s still early, but given Mapu’s track record and how explosive he was in college, it appears like the Patriots may have some big plans for him in 2023.
