After starting the offseason as an afterthought on the New England Patriots' roster bubble amid a full-on roster rebuild, Marte Mapu has continued to work hard and prove himself to head coach Mike Vrabel that he’s capable, serviceable, and worth being on the roster as a versatile linebacker.
Mapu didn’t have any defensive snaps in Week 1, but he did get on the field for 20 plays through special teams and made a tackle. In Week 2, however, he saw the same amount of snaps (20), but it was distributed differently as he was on the field for seven defensive snaps and only 13 special teams plays.
His effort resulted in a 92.9 defense grade on Pro Football Focus, proving that the Patriots are right to trust Mapu with increased playing time.
Mike Vrabel's Trust in Patriots S Marte Mapu is Paying Off
Mapu made the most of his opportunities in his limited time on the field in Week 2, making an interception late in the fourth quarter to help solidify the Patriots’ first win of the season. After the game, Vrabel awarded Mapu with a game ball and praised his work ethic and dedication in front of the entire team in Week 2.
“Marte, I appreciate you, man. Nobody has embraced their role on this football team (like you have), and I love the way you care about the punt team, and it’s gotten better, and it’s because of you," Vrabel said. "I love watching Tay in these team meetings, man, he sits there, head nodding, he’s locked in, you took advantage of your opportunity, and I’m proud of you.”
During May's organized team activities, I explained that Mapu was a player whom the Patriots needed to keep on the roster this season. I detailed how I thought Mapu is the type of player that Vrabel wants to have on his defense, and four months later, it seems to be the right decision.
Mapu was drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft as a safety, before ex-head coach Bill Belichick utilized him as a hybrid in a big-nickel role that played in the box as a linebacker. With his versatility and with the current struggles in pass coverage from the linebackers, it would make sense to have Mapu on the field more often in those specific situations.
What has plagued Mapu during his career the most is his injury history. He started the 2024 season on the sidelines with a calf injury and then missed the end of the season with a neck issue, which he’s been on the injury report with already in 2025.
Mapu has earned the trust of Vrabel, which should lead to him seeing more opportunities on the field.