The only rookie who signed their initial four-year contract today:
New England Patriots
- LB Marte Mapu (third round, Sacramento State)
Mapu played a hybrid linebacker/safety role for the Hornets and, with the success he had in Sacramento, it’s hard to picture the Patriots deviating from that. Many had Mapu on their draft board as a safety, but New England’s roster currently lists him as a linebacker. He’s a long, explosive defender with outstanding cover skills and a strong ability to diagnose plays early. He was a strong tackler with a disruptive 13.0 tackles for loss but great when dropping back, as well, as evidenced by 20 passes defensed and six interceptions in his final two seasons of college play. Until the Patriots figure out just how they’d like to utilize him, Mapu should be a standout special teamer and a strong defensive depth piece.