of NFL Draft In less than a month, the top 30 visits are starting to pile up. According to Chris Biderman, the Bucks have been to the well many times with small school players as they host Sacramento State linebacker Marte Mapu for a visit. It’s not just Tampa Bay.
We’ve caught up with versatile NFL draft candidate Marte Mapu from Sacramento State University. He suffered a chest injury in pre-draft training, but is expected to be ready for his camp in training. He has his 14 teams and top 30 meetings. #49ers.
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) March 31, 2023
Mapu spent four years at Sacramento State University, appearing in 41 games and recording 165 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 7 interceptions, 22 pass breakups and a forced fumble. Among his accolades are First Team All-He’s Big Sky, Second His Team Phil Steele He’s All-American, and last season’s Big Sky He’s Defensive Player of the Year award.
Marte Mapu performing well in the Senior Bowl
LB Marte Mapu, Sacramento – Photo credit: Sacramento
Bucs and Todd Bowles love versatility, and that’s exactly what Marte Mapu brings to the table. Although he is listed as a linebacker, he is a strong safety and nickel cornerback, playing both inside and outside. Tampa Bay definitely needs someone safe and nickel. Additionally, Labonte can take advantage of his linebacker depth inside behind David and Devin He White.
Mapu caught the attention of many with his excellent performance at the Senior Bowl. Day 2 Senior Bowl standout. The defensive outlook showed exceptional athleticism that week, forcing an interception, a couple of pass breakups and a fumble. He also appeared in Matt Matera’s mock him draft. Bucks’ strategyTampa Bay selected him in the late round.
Unfortunately, Mapu tore his pectoral muscle while bench pressing in February as he was preparing for the 2023 NFL Draft. He promised the team that he would be ready by training his camp, but that’s something every team needs to consider.
Is Marte Mapu compatible with Bucs?
Bucks Head Coach Todd Bowles – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
At 6 foot 2 and 217 pounds, Malte Mapu is a good size. That said, Bowles usually prefers smaller-sized safety, and if you’re committed to playing among linebackers, you’ll need to put on more weight. Yes, and having Mapu spread across the field in different packages is tempting.
The Bucs often have exotic looks, with 350-pound defensive tackle Vita Vea at linebacker, David lunging off the edge, and Antoine Winfield Jr. blitzing up the line of scrimmage in a single blitz package. To do. Winfield’s return to the traditional free safety role will allow Tampa Bay to use another player to go anywhere and play inside the box. If the Bucs used his pick late on Day 3, it could be Mapu. Mapu’s hustle also makes him a good fit for special teams.
Mapu is projected as a Day 3 pick or undrafted free agent. His versatility as a defender makes him an attractive player to take his chances.
Mapu is the third known draft candidate to visit Tampa Bay for the top 30. Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker and Bowling Green defensive tackle Karl Brooks are among them.
