Patriots Taking Notice: Marte Mapu

Every NFL season, new players emerge as strong contributors and stars and make a name for themselves. Sometimes, that player comes seemingly out of nowhere ... But usually offseason workouts are a good indicator as to how a player is developing... at least in the eyes of the coaching staff.

New England Patriots Linebacker Marte Mapu stood out at OTA's; His versatility makes him a strong candidate for playing time in his rookie season under Bill Belichick. Teammate Matthew Juddon went as far as to compare Mapu's uniqueness to former Patriots Jamie Collins and Dont'a Hightower.

A 'Swiss Army Knife,' Mapu lined up in various spots on the defensive side of the ball this spring. Though he is officially listed as a linebacker by the Patriots, he has played both an off-the-ball role next to Ja’Whaun Bentley, and the deep safety spot.

Reigning Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year, Mapu played linebacker, cornerback and nickel corner over college tenure at Sacramento State.

ESPN picked Mapu as a surprising player this spring.

It wasn't even certain the third-round pick from Sacramento State would be on the field as he recovers from a torn right pectoral muscle sustained in February. But Mapu practiced in a red noncontact jersey and played everywhere from linebacker to safety, and on one day intercepted backup quarterback Bailey Zappe and broke up multiple other passes. His versatility and instincts have been recognized by teammates. "He runs like a free safety, but he stands like a linebacker or an edge player. He can play on all three levels," outside linebacker Matthew Judon said. -- Mike Reiss

New England looks to rebound from that 8-9 campaign that left them out of the playoffs. The Patriots currently have long-odds (+235) to make the playoffs in 2023 and they will need a strong defense to get there. The former kings of the AFC East are still looking to capture their first division title since 2016.

Even if Mapu doesn't snag a starting spot, contributing in his rookie season and pushing the veterans would majorly benefit the defense in 2023. 

More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.