The New England Patriots drafted hybrid linebacker Marte Mapu in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft as part of a trio of defensive players that were selected in the top 100 that year, which New England used its first three draft picks on.
Two years and coaching regimes later, Mapu needs to reprove himself after starting the 2024 season on injured reserve and only playing in 10 games after returning in Week 5.
In only two years, Mapu established himself as the most versatile player on defense. In 2023, he took 204 snaps as a big nickel safety who found himself in the box as a linebacker more often than not.
In a limited 2024, Mapu expanded his versatility by playing all over the field as a safety and linebacker who had deep coverage responsibilities, and he was on the field in big nickel and dime formations.
Mapu went on to play 486 defensive snaps (72%), totaling 46 tackles, six pass deflections, and one forced fumble. He had 10 blitzes, three pressures, and two hurries, which received an 81.2 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking ninth out of 171 strong safeties.
The thing that’s plagued Mapu has been his injury history and overall availability. He missed the first four games of the 2024 season due to being on IR with a calf injury. He had a neck injury that held him out of Week 11, and then he was a healthy scratch for Weeks 13 and 15.
With a new coaching regime, it’s not the most ideal situation for Mapu to be returning from injury while trying to prove that he’s worthy of a roster spot for this season.
The ironic part of it all is that Mapu seems like the type of player Vrabel wants on his defense. He’s a versatile player who can play at all three levels on a defense, rush the passer, and is a viable defender in pass coverage.
Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that even though New England drafted safety Craig Woodson in the fourth round, it doesn’t mean that Mapu can’t make the roster, as I still believe he’s the most versatile hybrid safety on the roster.
As voluntary OTAs are underway, it’s been reported that Mapu hasn’t participated yet despite being in attendance during Day 2.
Hopefully by the time mandatory minicamp begins in July, Mapu will be ready to hit the field and show Vrabel what he brings to the table for this team, even after all of the alterations so far this offseason.
Mapu has played in 27 of 34 possible games in his two years with New England, totaling 64 tackles, seven pass deflections, four forced fumbles, and two interceptions.