Marte Mapu 2023 NFL Draft Profile: The Next Fred Warner?

Marte Mapu 2023 Draft Profile

Marte Mapu has gained some buzz and landed on the NFL’s radar after his impressive showing at the Senior Bowl. Pairing that with his 2022 season, where he earned the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year as well as an FCS All-American nod, there is no question that he has accumulated quite the resume. To do so he finished the season with 76 tackles, 6.5 of those coming from behind the line of scrimmage, along with adding a sack, two interceptions and a blocked kick.

Mapu is no stranger to football, and it has shown. After playing as a quarterback, wide receiver, linebacker, safety and cornerback all throughout high school, he has knowledge of the entire field. He can be the all-in-one package for any team in the league.

Not only that, but the 6-foot-3, 217-pound linebacker clocked 19 mph multiple times during his time at the Senior Bowl. Pairing this with the fact Mapu has shown to be very physical in every possible play, he has the potential to be a nightmare for the likes of tight ends, running backs and slot receivers.

His specialty appears to be dropping back in pass coverage to shut down the middle zone. That, or he can easily man up on a running back and the ever-evolving hybrid tight ends and keep pace with ease.

As earlier said, although he is very physical and is not afraid to head downhill for a tackle, his size is concerning, especially when attempting to handle NFL-level linemen. He is not the 240–250-pound linebacker that can power through the line and get to the quarterback. However, if Mapu can add some weight, he can truly be a dominant defensive piece in the NFL having speed, power, and IQ.

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The potential is out of this world with his comparison being the San Francisco 49ers, Fred Warner. Both have extremely good pass recognition along with the speed to hunt down running backs and receivers. At the moment, it wouldn’t be surprising to hear Mapu’s name on day two of the draft, big things are coming for the Sacramento State prospect.

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