MM #14

Marte Mapu

Linebacker · Sacramento State

A Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year out of Sacramento State who has carved out an NFL career as a hybrid linebacker-safety.

Marte Mapu's path from FCS standout to third-round NFL pick made him one of the more unique prospects of his class, and his versatility to play both linebacker and safety has kept him valuable at the next level. After three seasons in New England, Mapu now brings that hybrid skill set to Houston.

★ Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Sacramento State, 2022

★ Third-round pick, 2023 NFL Draft (No. 76 overall)

★ Career interception of Patrick Mahomes as a rookie

Path to the league

Mapu spent six seasons at Sacramento State, including a redshirt year and a pandemic-canceled season, before capping his career by winning Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2022. The New England Patriots drafted him in the third round, 76th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft, betting on his rare size and versatility at 6-foot-3, 230 pounds.

Career highlights

Mapu intercepted Patrick Mahomes in Week 15 of his rookie season, an early highlight in a career built on positional flexibility between linebacker and safety. He appeared in 44 games for New England with 10 starts, totaling 89 tackles and three interceptions before being dealt to Houston.

2025 season recap

Mapu played his third season in New England in 2025, recording 25 total tackles, one forced fumble and an interception. He was traded to the Texans in a late-round pick swap the following offseason, joining Houston's linebacker room.