Finally revisited #SacramentoState SAF/LB Marte Mapu after his outstanding Senior Bowl and is ability to recognize screens and coverage spatial awareness from a variety of positions (overhang, nickel, safety) is fun to watch.
Excellent closing speed, plus run defender. Skill… pic.twitter.com/ySedUl18Mh
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) April 2, 2023
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to host one of the draft’s most versatile defensive players.
According to the Sacramento Bee’s Chris Biderman, the Bucs are one of 14 different teams set to host Sacramento State linebacker Marte Mapu on a top-30 visit. Mapu has been a late riser in draft stock recently, especially after a strong performance at the Senior Bowl earlier in the year, and general manager Jason Licht has not been adverse to picking from smaller schools in the past.
Mapu is officially listed as a linebacker, but he played all over the field during his six years with the Hornets. His 2022 season saw him earn a second-team All Big Sky nod, but he played a lot of nickel safety as well. He’s netted seven interceptions across his entire career and had 65 total tackles in 2022. Mapu injured his chest during pre-draft workouts, but he’s set to be ready for training camp for whatever team drafts him.
Mapu’s scouting report on The Draft Network notes his impressive instincts, physicality and coverage skills, but also notes his size as a detriment — he’s 6’3″, 210 pounds, so he be much more likely to play safety at the next level. The Bucs are in the market for one, so he could be an interesting late-round pick for Licht.
[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbw5aerff6ff182 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]