6 Patriots Whose Stock Has Fallen Ahead of Training Camp
3. Marte Mapu, Linebacker/Safety
There are high hopes for Marte Mapu as he enters his second NFL season. But even with a team that has historically been really good about finding roles for the "tweener" types on defense, there are lingering questions about where Mapu will wind up playing in his second season.
After racking up 18 total tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception in his rookie season, the former third-round pick (76th overall) out of Sacramento State has high hopes of being able to be a more consistent impact defender for the Pats in 2024.
But from the observations of Chad Graff, it seems like the Patriots may not be seeing the vision clearly evolve with Mapu in terms of an every-down role...or even a part-time role.
"In fairness to Mapu, there’s a lot that can change once the pads come on in training camp. But after watching the defense in spring practices, I’m struggling to see a three-down role (or maybe even a two-down role) for Mapu, which is what you’d ideally like from a player drafted 76th overall last year.
- Chad Graff
The Patriots have always done a good job of getting the most out of players others saw as being “between positions,” but Mapu seems a bit stuck. He’s too small to play linebacker consistently, but too big to play safety."
The Patriots' off-ball linebacker position -- led by Ja'Whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai -- is one of the best on the team. The safety position is manned by Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers, two outstanding players who don't really come off the field a ton.
Understandably, it would be difficult to see a clear role for someone like Mapu, unless the Patriots plan to put him out there as a big slot. But can he hang in coverage?
Training camp and the preseason will provide some very needed answers here.