Patriots Continue Defense in Third Round: Marte Mapu, Devin McCourty Replacement?
The New England Patriots continue to go defense heavy through the early stages of the NFL Draft.
After selecting Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez in the first round and Georgia Tech defensive end Keion White to kickoff day two, New England selected Sacramento State safety Marte Mapu with the No. 76 pick.
Mapu, who the Patriots hosted on a visit earlier this month, is a versatile defensive option that lined up in multiple different areas for the Hornets and is the reigning Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year.
According to SI's Draft Bible, "during his senior season, he played in thirteen games, totaling seventy six tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. Named to the 2022 First Team All-Big Sky."
Despite playing at the FCS level over his college career, Mapu showed his ability to line up anywhere defensively; playing linebacker, cornerback and even getting some reps at the nickel corner over his six-year college tenure.
Reported as a feasible Day 2 option, it doesn't come as a surprise to see New England pick up Mapu after losing last season's starting safety Devin McCourty to retirement.
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