On a day when there were multiple releases, the New England Patriots also signed rookie third-round draft pick Marte Mapu.
The team officially announced the news on Monday but didn’t reveal the exact contract details.
Mapu was a bit more of an unknown prospect on the draft board, but those that have seen him on tape have been blown away by his potential. He even impressed Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin at the Senior Bowl.
“I was standing on the field with (Steelers coach) Mike Tomlin during one of the 9-on-7 periods, and I’ve posted this clip online, Mapu came down and just buckled this fullback behind the line of scrimmage,” Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy told the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan, via the Hartford Courant. “And Mike looks at me with wide eyes, and we look at each other like that, holy (expletive) look. And he was like, ‘This boy’s making some money right now.’ So he definitely stood out.”
Quick reminder what Marte Mapu looked like playing downhill at @seniorbowl. 👀
219-pound men aren’t supposed to play that violent. https://t.co/h3sybovU5Z pic.twitter.com/mYKv0E8XSx
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) April 24, 2023
Mapu has continued to stand out for the Patriots as a rookie on the practice field, working at both the linebacker and safety positions on defense. He presents a rare blend of power and speed that should give an already elite New England defense even more firepower.
With Mapu’s deal finally wrapped up, the only rookies left for the Patriots to sign is first-round pick Christian Gonzalez and second-rounder Keion White.
