Sacramento State’s Marte Mapu Showed Out at the Senior Bowl
The 2023 Senior Bowl practices have come to a close. During the week, there have been a handful of players who have stood out, but there is one player in particular that was flying way under anyone’s radar, and that is Marte Mapu. He took this opportunity in Mobile, Alabama, and ran with it, putting on a great performance that is sure to set him up for long-term success if he keeps playing like he did this week. Let’s dive into it.
The former safety converted linebacker was all over the field this week during Senior Bowl practices. He constantly runs downhill, just looking for contact. He is a willing tackler, especially inside the box. He also showed great ability to fake the blitz and drop back into coverage, which netted him multiple batted passes. Super athletic and can run sideline to sideline and make all the plays you would need him to make.
I think what is most impressive about Mapu is the speed I just mentioned. He was clocked over 19 MPH multiple times this week. In today’s NFL, you need to have someone who can cover across the middle and keep up with the running back south of the backfield. Mapu fits that bill. He’s going to have that chip on his shoulder and look to prove those doubters wrong at every possibility. That is a guy I would want on my team.
As I mentioned earlier, coming into this week Marte Mapu was not on my radar. He certainly is now. Watching him fly around the field for three straight days was eye-opening. He plays like his hair is on fire. The motor is always running hot. If keeps this play up into the NFL Combine and his pro day, he has a good chance of hearing his name called during the 2023 NFL Draft, and it won’t be that late in it.
