Marte Mapu NFL Draft 2023 Prospect Interview

Sacramento State linebacker/safety Marte Mapu was a standout performer at this year’s Senior Bowl. A dynamic and fluid mover, Mapu proved he’s capable of playing alongside the highest competition. League-wide interest is sky-high in Mapu, who made more than 10 Top 30 visits.

Mapu recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his performance in Mobile, debunking small-school narratives, positional versatility, which teams have shown interest in his services, and so much more. There’s a place for Mapu on every NFL roster.

JM: I thought you looked great at this year’s Senior Bowl. How big was that opportunity to debunk the “small school” narrative and prove you could compete alongside the best of the best?

Marte Mapu: It was a great opportunity for me to confront that small school label on the biggest pre-draft stage. I really enjoyed that entire week in Mobile. 

Outside of that, football is football. It was such a fun experience. I enjoyed having another opportunity to play football during this transition period from college to the NFL draft. 

JM: You played quarterback, wide receiver, cornerback, linebacker, and safety in high school. How did that experience help mold the Marte Mapu we see before us today?

Marte Mapu: It prepared me to play football first and foremost. It gave me a high-level understanding of how to play different positions on the field within the same defense or offense.

I know what everybody’s job is because, at some point, I’ve played that position next to me or behind me. It helped me become a more versatile player. It helped me adjust to different perspectives, especially early in my career.

JM: You filled that nickel safety role for the Hornets. What do you enjoy about playing that position?

Marte Mapu: What we asked of that position allowed me to display my versatility. They asked me to cover. I felt like a +1 in the passing game and a +1 in the run game. 

It just gave me a lot of options from that position. I played with confidence. I was a +1 defender all over the field.

JM: It’s a starting position in today’s NFL. Offenses are running three-receiver sets.

Marte Mapu: The game has been changing, especially with how offenses approach it. You don’t see as many condensed formations. Defenses are multiple. There’s no such thing as a 3-4 or 4-3 base defense. You have different looks.

Offenses want to spread you thin. You see a lot more 11 personnel nowadays. You need a defender that can play in the box, but he also has to play as a +1 defensive back in coverage as well.

It’s about sub-package defenses. Things have certainly livened up. These packages allow you to match up more ideally.

That nickel defender has to be comfortable both in the run game and passing game. I feel like I’m extremely comfortable in both areas. You have to maintain the edge while matching up personnel.

JM: Heck, you played a little bit of everything though. You played some single-high safety and some stack ‘backer as well. What was your favorite role to play?

Marte Mapu: My favorite role was probably that extra safety in third-down packages. It was just super different from what you usually see. From there, I was able to drop in and play zone coverage.

Those packages allow you to play more freely. It’s like a “ROVER” role, you’re that extra safety in a dime package. We did a lot of different things from that position. It allows me to play the position a bit differently from a regular nickel. It was a nice change.

JM: Where do teams see you playing at the next level? What’s the feedback you’re getting?

Marte Mapu: The feedback has been a mixed bag. I’ve heard about linebacker and safety. I can fill that nickel role as well.

JM: You’ve been extremely busy. What are some of the spots you made Top 30 visits to?

Marte Mapu: I’ve had Top 30 visits with like half the league. I’ve visited the Texans, Cowboys, Jets, Giants, Bills, 49ers, Buccaneers, Packers, Colts, Bears, Ravens, and Titans. It’s been a busy few weeks (laughs). 

JM: We’ve appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Marte Mapu going to make at the next level?

Marte Mapu: I’m hoping to make a big impact. I don’t know what the future holds for me. That’s the beauty of it though. I’m going to put one foot in front of the other.

I’m going to put my time in. I’m a hard worker. Hopefully, I look back one day and love what I see.