This isn’t a total surprise.
When the New England Patriots drafted Marte Mapu a couple of years ago, he was already viewed as a hybrid-level defender.
But in his first two NFL seasons, Mapu played almost exclusively safety.
That’s expected to be different in 2025. Mapu is listed as a linebacker on the Patriots’ website, writes SI’s Mike D’Abate.
Mapu was the 76th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
In 2023, Mapu played 18 percent of defensive snaps, but he was on the field a lot more in 2024 and finished with 46 tackles, three forced fumbles and an interception.
Even when Mapu was playing safety, New England used him both closer to the box and as a deep safety.
He’s 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, a slightly big size for a safety.
Maybe linebacker is exactly where Mapu belongs, with the chance to earn a roster spot and pay off his draft position.
He’s also got a strong mentor in Mike Vrabel, one of the best linebackers in Patriots history and New England’s new head coach.
Certainly seems like this is a move that could work out for the Pats.
