From now until the 2023 NFL Draft, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, all the way down to Day 3 selections and priority undrafted free agents Today, I’ll be profiling Sacramento State LB Marte Mapu.
#5 Marte Mapu, LB, Sacramento State (R-Senior) – 6025, 217lb
Senior Bowl Invite
Measurements
| Player | Ht/Wt | Hand Size | Arm Length | Wingspan |
| Marte Mapu | 6’2 5/8”, 217lb | 9 3/8 | 33 3/8 | 80 |
| 40-Yard Dash | 10-Yard Dash | Short Shuttle | 3-Cone | |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Broad Jump | Vertical | Bench Press | ||
| N/A | N/A |
The Good
— Has good length and height for the position
— Possesses an athletic frame that is built for today’s game
— Versatile defender who has played at safety, nickel, and the overhang
— Has great range when it comes to covering ground in coverage as well as in pursuit
— Can run with backs and tight ends across the field in man coverage
— Has shown the capability of carrying vertically up the seam against deep threats
— Long arms aids in his ability to bat down passes
— Proven production in coverage with 20 PBUs and six INTs the last two seasons
— Shows physicality against the run when taking on blockers
— Violently seeks out contact against the run
— Has bad intentions as a hitter when target is lined up
— Can set the edge and string out runs toward the sideline
— Has the profile to contribute right away on special teams
— Thrived against increased competition at the Senior Bowl
The Bad
— Lacks a true position as he played outside the box for most of his college career
— Doesn’t have the requisite size and mass of a traditional off-ball LB
— Can be tentative at times when it comes to getting down and dirty against the run
— Motor appears to run hot and cold throughout a game
— Lateral movement skills are only average in terms of making open-field tackles
— Will occasionally overrun plays
— Needs to be more consistent at stacking and shedding blocks
— Will occasionally be overcome by sheer power and mass is not running downhill
— Size and frame presents durability concerns at the next level
— Will be older than your traditional rookie
— Coming off a torn pec suffered in pre-draft training
— Will need to be schemed into a defense as role of full-time ILB is a projection
Bio
— Redshirt Senior (sixth year) prospect from Hawthorne, CA
— Lined up at quarterback, wide receiver, linebacker, safety, and cornerback in high school
— Redshirted first year at Sacramento State
— Played in five games at linebacker and on special teams in 2018, logging six total tackles (missed five games due to injury)
— Appeared in 11 games, starting two, in 2019 and logged 18 total tackle (13 solo), one TFL, and an INT
— Lost his 2020 season due to the pandemic
— Started all 12 games at nickelback in 2021 and made 65 total tackles, 5.