Patriots Rookie LB/S Marte Mapu Signs Contract - NFL Tracker

Despite a disappointing 2022 season in Baton Rouge, Boutte is explosive big-play threat when he is on his game. The 5-11, 195-pounder is tough to bring down after the catch, and can be elusive when changing direction speed. His ability to adjust his body to make contested. He sat out the spring while recovering from a season-ending ankle injury, which eventually required a second surgery. Despite inconsistent quarterback play and missed time, Boutte has a more-than-respectable stat sheet, logging 14 scores and 1,244 receiving yards in 16 games (11 starts). He also set a new SEC record for receiving yards in a game (308) as a freshman. He is expected to compete for a roster spot at wide receiver for the Pats in 2023. 

According to Patriots salary cap expert Miguel Benzan, Boutte’s signing puts the Pats salary cap number at $12, 151,619 — a $46,819 decrease to account for the rookie receiver’s signing bonus proration. 

APRIL 29 ROUNDS 4-7

PATS CLOSE DRAFT WITH ANOTHER CORNERBACK

The New England Patriots entered the draft with 11 picks and almost as many holes. With the selection of Jackson State cornerback Isaiah Bolden with the No. 245 pick in the seventh round, their draft class of 2023 is complete.

Bolden, who played for Deion Sanders in college, began his career at Florida State. At 6-2, 200 pounds, he ran a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash at Jackson State's Pro Day and is considered an explosive kick-returner on special teams.

Bill Belichick made three trades over the three days, and obviously was focused on improving his team's defense and special teams. The Pats wound up drafting 12 players, including four defensive backs, a defensive end, three offensive linemen, two receivers and - for the first time in franchise history - a kicker and a punter.

New England Patriots 2023 Draft Class

Round 1 - Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Round 2 - Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech

Round 3 - Marte Mapu, LB/S, Sacramento State

Round 4 - Jake Andrews, C, Troy

                  Chad Ryland, K, Maryland

                  Sidy Sow, OL, Eastern Michigan

Round 5 - Atonio Mafi, OL, UCLA

Round 6 - Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU

                  Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan State

                  Demario Douglas, WR, Liberty

                  Ameer Speed, CB, Michigan State

Round 7 - Isaiah Bolden, CB, Jackson State

PATS ADD SPECIAL TEAMS STANDOUT

New England continues to strengthen its woeful 2022 special teams in the draft, using its 210th pick to select Michigan State's Ameer Speed.

Speed, 6-3, 210, was a standout on special teams at Georgia before transferring to Michigan State and starting at cornerback.

The Pats are scheduled to make their final pick of the draft at No. 245 overall in the seventh round.

A look at the Pats picks

Round 1 - Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Round 2 - Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech

Round 3 - Marte Mapu, LB/S, Sacramento State

Round 4 - Jake Andrews, C, Troy

                  Chad Ryland, K, Maryland

                  Sidy Sow, OL, Eastern Michigan

Round 5 - Atonio Mafi, OL, UCLA

Round 6 - Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU

                  Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan State

                 Demario Douglas, WR, Liberty

                 Ameer Speed, CB, Michigan State

Round 7 - 245 (from Buffalo)

ANOTHER WEAPON FOR MAC JONES

The Patriots have selected their second receiver of the sixth round, using pick No. 210 on Liberty's Demario Douglas.

Douglas, who led his team with 79 catches for 993 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2022, dazzled the Patriots coaching staff at the East-West Shrine Game. New England took LSU's Kayshon Boutte earlier in the sixth round. At only 5-foot-8 and 180 pounds, Douglas is more suited to be a slot receiver in the NFL.

This is the first time New England ever has taken two wide receivers in the same round in a single draft.

New England is up again at pick No. 214.

PATS COMPLETE KICKING-GAME OVERHAUL

The Patriots suffered through an uncharacteristically sub-par special teams season in 2022, contributing to the team finishing 8-9 and missing the playoffs. Bill Belichick obviously made that a priority in this draft, as he first took a kicker in the fourth round and now a punter - Michigan State's Bryce Baringer - in the sixth.

Nick Folk struggled as a kicker and the Pats suspended former All-Pro punter Jake Bailey after they contended he didn't follow proper rehab guidelines after a late-season injuries.

After Saturday's late-round flurry, it's possible the Pats start 2023 with an entirely revamped kicking game.

The Patriots are the second team in the last 30 years to take a kicker and punter in the same draft. The other were the 2000 Raiders, who drafted kicker Sebastian Janikowski in the first round and punter Shane Lechler in the fifth.

They are next on the clock at No. 210 near the end of the sixth round.

A look at the Pats picks

Round 1 - Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Round 2 - Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech

Round 3 - Marte Mapu, LB/S, Sacramento State

Round 4 - Jake Andrews, C, Troy

                  Chad Ryland, K, Maryland

                  Sidy Sow, OL, Eastern Michigan

Round 5 - Atonio Mafi, OL, UCLA

Round 6 - Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU 

                  Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan State

                  210 (compensatory for Ted Karras)

                  214 (from Raiders)

Round 7 - 245 (from Buffalo)

PATS FINALLY DRAFT WR

It took until the 187th overall pick in the sixth round, but the Patriots finally got quarterback Mac Jones a new target in LSU receiver Kayshon Boutte.

Boutte is a high-risk, high-reward pick. In the final game of his freshman season, he caught three touchdowns and more than 300 yards, but after that had character issues and injuries problems that dropped him from first-round potential.

He has the size and speed to be a late-round steal, but also the temperament to be a total bust that doesn't make it out of training camp.

The Patriots are next on the clock at pick 192 in the sixth round.

PATS PICK ANOTHER OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

After trading down and out of the fourth round in a deal with the Raiders, the Patriots in the fifth round selected UCLA offensive lineman Atonio Mafi with pick No. 144.

New England has drafted three offensive lineman on Day 3, including Troy center Jake Andrews and Eastern Michigan guard Sidy Sow. 

Mafi is a 6-2, 338-pound project who began his college career as a defensive tackle. He only played one year on offense, so new offensive line coach Adrian Klemm has himself a project.

New England is scheduled to be on the clock next at pick No. 187 in the sixth round.

Meanwhile, Pats cornerback Jalen Mills has a message for all those players who feel as though their NFL dreams are fading by the pick.

PATS TRADE DOWN WITH RAIDERS

Bill Belichick got re-acquainted with old friend Josh McDaniels again Friday as the Patriots and Raiders made a trade at the end of the fourth round of the NFL Draft.

The Raiders moved up to pick 135, where they selected Purdue quarterback Aiden O'Connell. In exchange, the Patriots moved down to pick 144 in the fifth round and received an extra pick in the sixth round, No. 214.

New England earlier in the fourth round chose Troy center Jake Andrews, Maryland kicker Chad Ryland and Eastern Michigan guard Sidy Sow.

A look at the Pats picks

Round 1 - Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Round 2 - Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech

Round 3 - Marte Mapu, LB/S, Sacramento State

Round 4 - Jake Andrews, C, Troy

                  Chad Ryland, K, Maryland

                  Sidy Sow, OL, Eastern Michigan

Round 5 - Atonio Mafi, OL, UCLA

Round 6 - 187 (from Panthers)

                   192

                   210 (compensatory for Ted Karras)

                   214 (from Raiders)

Round 7 - 245 (from Buffalo)

PATS PICK OL WITH PICK 117

New England continued its run on offensive player in Saturday's fourth round, selecting Eastern Michigan lineman Sidy Sow with the No. 117 pick.

As a senior in 2022, Sow played 885 snaps with no sacks allowed and only one penalty. Earlier in the fourth round the Pats selected Troy center Jake Andrews.

A look at the Pats picks

Round 1 - Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Round 2 - Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech

Round 3 - Marte Mapu, LB/S, Sacramento State

Round 4 - Jake Andrews, C, Troy

                  Chad Ryland, K, Maryland

                   Sidy Sow, OL, Eastern Michigan

                   135 (compensatory for J.C. Jackson)

Round 6 - 187 (from Panthers)

                  192

                  210 (compensatory for Ted Karras)

Round 7 - 245 (from Buffalo)

PATS TRADE UP FOR KICKER

New England kicker Nick Folk struggled last season and in Saturday's fourth round the Patriots are preparing for the future. Or perhaps the present?

Bill Belichick orchestrated a trade with the New York Jets, moving up to pick No. 112 to select Maryland kicker Chad Ryland. In exchange, the Pats sent to New York picks No. 120 and 184.

The 38-year-old Folk last season missed three extra points and five field goals and showed significantly decreased leg strength.

Ryland also kicked-off at Maryland. He was 19 of 23 on field goals, including 9 of 9 under 40 yards.

 PATS DRAFT DAVID ANDREWS' REPLACEMENT?

Not shocking that the Pats drafted a center in the fourth round with pick 107. But a little surprising that it's Troy's Jake Andrews.

No relation. But perhaps Jake someday replaces David over the ball in New England. Jake started games at center and guard at Troy, and the Pats likely covet his versatility.

PATS GO ON THE OFFENSIVE?

So far, so good.

Through three rounds of the NFL Draft the Patriots have selected Christian Gonzalez, Keion White and Marte Mapu: A much-needed man-to-man cornerback with size (6-2, 200), a pass-rushing behemoth that can play multiple positions, and a versatile, aggressive defender who can also excel on special teams.

Saturday, the Pats control the draft. With four picks in both the fourth and sixth rounds and nine overall, they have a chance to make their good draft great. After taking three defensive players with their first three picks, look for some offense. A receiver. Offensive lineman. Maybe even a punter?

With Bill Belichick having made only one trade - but making some positive news by finally endorsing Mac Jones - also expect some fireworks.

Potential targets for the Pats in Rounds 4-7

WR: Tyler Scott (Cincinnati), A.T. Perry (Wake Forest)  

OT: Blake Freeland (BYU), Dawand Jones (Ohio State)

OG: Chandler Zavala (North Carolina State)

RB: Roschon Johnson (Texas)

QB: Dorian Thompson-Robinson (UCLA)

DE: Adetomiwa Adebawore (Northwestern)

CB: Kelee Ringo (Georgia)

A look at the Pats picks

Round 1 - Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Round 2 - Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech

Round 3 - Marte Mapu, LB/S, Sacramento State

Round 4 - Jake Andrews, C, Troy

                  Chad Ryland, K, Maryland

                  Sidy Sow, OL, Eastern Michigan

                  135 (compensatory for J.C. Jackson)

Round 6 - 187 (from Panthers)

                  192

                  210 (compensatory for Ted Karras)

Round 7 - 245 (from Buffalo)

APRIL 28 - ROUNDS 2-3

PATRIOTS PICK MARTE MAPU IN THIRD ROUND

With the No. 76 overall pick in the NFL Draft the Patriots have selected Sacramento State linebacker/safety Marte Mapu.

The Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year visited Foxboro earlier this month. 

Mapu, 6-3 and 220 pounds, played linebacker, cornerback and even safety his six-year collegiate tenure at FCS level Sacramento State. He racked up 76 tackles, 6 1/2 tackles for loss and two interceptions in 2022.

The Pats began their draft by taking Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez in Thursday's first round and chose Georgia Tech edge-rusher Keion White in Friday's second round.

The Patriots currently own nine picks for Saturday's Rounds 4-7, so expect some wheeling and dealing from Bill Belichick.

Round 1 - Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Round 2 - Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech

Round 3 - 76 (from Panthers)

Round 4 - 107 (from Rams)

                   117

                   120 (from Steelers)

                   135 (compensatory for J.C. Jackson)

Round 6 - 184 (from Raiders)

                   187 (from Panthers)

                   192

                   210 (compensatory for Ted Karras)

Round 7 - 245 (from Buffalo)

THIRD-ROUND TARGETS?

Through two rounds of the NFL Draft the Patriots have beefed up their Top 10 defense with cornerback Christian Gonzalez and edge-rusher Keion White. In the third round, will it time for some offense?

They currently sit with the 76th overall pick, and with needs at receiver and along the offensive line.

North Carolina receiver Josh Downs remains available, as do highly projected offensive players Darnell Washington (Georgia tight end), Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee receiver) and Cedric Tilman (Tennessee receiver).

Bill Belichick remains armed with four picks in both the fourth and sixth rounds should he choose to trade up.

 PATS PICK PASS-RUSHER

The New England Patriots have selected Georgia Tech pass-rusher Keion White with the 46th overall pick in the second round of the NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-5, 290-pounder is considered to have immense raw ability, but is unpolished in his technical skills. Some draft experts had White graded as a first-round player.

The Detroit Lions traded up one spot of New England and selected Alabama defensive back Brian Branch, who had been on the Pats' radar.

They began their draft by taking Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez in Thursday's first round. They own the 76th overall pick in the third round later tonight.

LEVIS TO TITANS; PATS BACK TO MAC?

With Kentucky quarterback Will Levis getting drafted by the Titans at No. 33 overall, the Patriots' dream - fantasy?, smokescreen? - is over. Though it's been a rocky offseason for the Bill Belichick-Mac Jones relationship, it appears now New England will only add a quarterback in the mid-to-late rounds as a developmental player.

With four picks in both the fourth and sixth rounds, the Pats have the ammunition to move it, but so far as staying put at No. 46 in the second.

All eyes are now on a receiver, where North Carolina's Josh Downs is expected to be given consideration by New England.

PATRIOTS PICK PRESENTER

Though it remains a mystery which player - or even what position - the New England Patriots will select in Friday night's Rounds 2 and 3 in the NFL Draft, we do know which former player will do the honors of announcing the picks.

The team's second- and third-round selections will be unveiled in Kansas City by former offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer.

He was drafted by the Patriots in 2009 and started 80 games over eight seasons during the dynasty years before retiring in 2016. During his playing career he won two Super Bowls and was a second-team All-Pro in 2010. He made the Patriots’ All-2010s Decade Team, as well as New England's All-Dynasty Team.

Who knows, maybe Vollmer will announce a new quarterback?

New England's pick heading into Friday night:

Round 1 - Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Round 2 - 46

Round 3 - 76 (from Panthers)

Round 4 - 107 (from Rams)

                  117

                  120 (from Steelers)

                  135 (compensatory for J.C. Jackson)

Round 6 - 184 (from Raiders)

                  187 (from Panthers)

                  192

                  210 (compensatory for Ted Karras)

Round 7 - 245 (from Buffalo)

PATRIOTS TRADING UP?

Considering all their draft capital, it's not surprising that the Patriots are reportedly making calls in an attempt to trade up in Rounds 2-3 of Friday's NFL Draft. According to Pats insider Mike Giardi, New England is frantically working the phones.

The Pats currently own No. 46 overall in the second round and No 76 in the third.

After drafting Christian Gonzalez in the first round, they still owns 11 picks including four each in the fourth and sixth rounds.

If the Patriots are looking for a receiver, North Carolina's Josh Downs could be a target of a trade-up. Or perhaps even sliding Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, who they hosted for a surprise, last-minute visit to Foxboro last week.

According to another report, the Patriots have a "real interest" in Levis.

DAY 2 TARGETS?

After the trade down with the Steelers, the Patriots left Day 1 of the NFL Draft with a starting cornerback in Christian Gonzalez and still 11 picks in their holster.

During Friday's Rounds 2-3 the Pats will be looking to fill needs at receiver and along the offensive line. Some of the best players available, however, are tight ends (Notre Dame's Michael Mayer and Georgia's Darnell Washington) and defensive backs (Alabama's Brian Branch, Penn State's Joey Porter Jr. and South Carolina's Cam Smith). And, of course, a quarterback New England brought to Foxboro for a last-minute visit is still on the board - Kentucky's Will Levis.

Players the Pats will likely consider with their picks in the second (46th overall) and third (76th) rounds include North Carolina receiver Josh Downs, Florida offensive lineman O'Cyrus Torrence, TCU offensive lineman Steve Avila, Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz and Tennessee receivers Cedric Tilman and Jalin Hyatt.

A look at the Pats picks heading into Day 2:

Round 1 - Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Round 2 - 46

Round 3 - 76 (from Panthers)

Round 4 - 107 (from Rams)

                  117

                  120 (from Steelers)

                  135 (compensatory for J.C. Jackson)

Round 6 - 184 (from Raiders)

                  187 (from Panthers)

                  192

                  210 (compensatory for Ted Karras)

Round 7 - 245 (from Buffalo)

APRIL 27 - ROUND 1

PATRIOTS PICK OREGON CORNERBACK CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ

After some surprising twists and turns allowed them to trade down and acquire an extra pick in Thursday night's NFL Draft, the Patriots selected Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez with the 17th overall pick.

The athletic defensive back with superior ball skills will certainly help New England's defense in the AFC East, where it will have to play against quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers, Josh Allen and Tua Tagovailoa.

The Patriots will place Gonzalez opposite Jonathan Jones, who they re-signed this offseason. A year ago New England drafted cornerbacks Marcus and Jack Jones. 

Sports Illustrated's "Draft Bible" projected Gonzalez as the first cornrerback to be drafted:

Terrific length and subtle weight that doest burden his athleticism. Tons of press-bail alignments, typically to the boundary. He has blitzed from the field and has an impact on the pass. Plays the ball in the air for back-shoulder pass breakups. Smooth transitioner. Everything is easy and fluid from pedal to crossover run or hip flip to sprint. He can recover when stumbling and squeezing receivers to the pilon while playing their hip pocket. He can reset over the middle of the field, easily mirroring the target while perfectly timing up his hand usage to deter the pass. He has carried vertical patterns in true cover three, playing outside in and negating what would be an open-seam throw. He plays the run well but can be late to trigger at times or run himself out of the play. Can be outmanned at the catch point. He could struggle against large possession receivers. Would like to see him add physicality when playing the ball. Gonzalez is a true number one corner that can mirror and match with easy fluidity and subtle movement patterns. Answering any questions about ball skills this season, his tape leaves little to discern, making him a consideration for the first corner selected in the draft.

PATRIOTS TRADE DOWN, GET EXTRA PICK FROM STEELERS

With multiple targets falling their way, the Patriots traded down with the Steelers to get multiple picks. New England sent its 14th overall pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for the 17th overall spot and a fourth-round selection (120th overall).

New England moved down three spots and added a fourth-round pick.

With the Pats' pick, the Steelers chose Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones. He was on New England's radar, but so are many other players still available.

With a quirky draft full of trades, twists and turns, the Pats wound up having their choice of several players they were linked to in pre-draft workouts and meetings.

A look at New England's updated picks:

Round 1 - Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Round 2 - 46

Round 3 - 76 (from Panthers)

Round 4 - 107 (from Rams)

                  117

                  120 (from Steelers)

                  135 (compensatory for J.C. Jackson)

Round 6 - 184 (from Panthers)

                  187 (from Raiders)

                  192

                   210 (compensatory for Ted Karras)

Round 7 - 245 (from Buffalo)

PATS PROSPECTS FALLING?

With only five picks remaining until the Patriots are on the clock, as many as  dozen players linked to New England remain on the board.

After the Falcons took Texas running back Bijan Robinson at No. 8, still available are:

OT: Peter Skoronski, Darnell Wright, Broderick Jones

CB: Christian Gonzalez, Joey Porter Jr., Deonte Banks

S: Brian Branch

WR: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Zay Flowers

DE: Lukas Van Ness, Nolan Smith

At No. 14, seems logical that the Pats will wind up with one of these players.

BRYCE YOUNG NO. 1 OVERALL

Heisman Trophy winner and Alabama quarterback Bryce Young was selected first overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. For months leading up to the draft he was bunched with quarterback prospects C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson and Will Levis.

Young was coached at Alabama by offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, who left the school to re-join the Patriots this offseason.

The Panthers acquired the No. 1 pick in a March 10 trade with the Chicago Bears.

With Young being selected, Alabama breaks the record (Miami, 14) of the most consecutive drafts with a first round pick (15). Young is the 42nd first-round pick Nick Saban has coached in his 16 seasons at the school.

NO NEW QUARTERBACKS

According to Patriots insider Tom Curran of NBC Sports, the Patriots - during Round 1 of the NFL Draft, at least - will not trade Mac Jones or draft a quarterback.

Said Curran during a TV segment:

"I was told today that Bill Belichick does not want to trade Mac Jones. Robert Kraft we already know doesn't want to trade Mac Jones. He'll be here, and the Patriots will not draft a quarterback."

Curran, however, did add an important caveat to his proclamation.

"Tonight."

During the offseason it was widely reported that Belichick was "shopping" Jones in trade talks, most recently to the San Francisco 49ers.

PATS TARGET TO TITANS?

Despite signing JuJu Smith-Schuster, it's no secret the Patriots are still looking for an elite receiver to give quarterback Mac Jones a No. 1 weapon. Since the two essentially professed their love for each other last season, there's been a link between New England coach Bill Belichick and Arizona Cardinals' star DeAndre Hopkins.

But that trade fantasy - not unlike the juicy Lamar Jackson-to-Foxboro rumors put to bed Thursday - may be dying as Pro Football Talk is reporting that the Tennessee Titans are attempting to trade for Hopkins and the No. 3 overall pick in the draft in a deal that would give the Cardinals the 11th overall pick and, obviously, much more in return.

There had been hope among Patriots fans that Hopkins' past relationship with new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien might persuade him to come to Foxboro. Linebacker Mack Wilson also attempted to recruit Hopkins last month.

 PATS PREVIEW

The New England Patriots enter the 2023 NFL Draft with plenty of holes, but also ample ammunition to help fill them.

After a disappointing 8-9 record in 2022 and a lackluster offseason that has most analysts placing the Pats at the bottom of the AFC East, they have 11 overall picks over the next three days - including No. 14 in Friday's first round.

Their glaring priority positions of need are offensive lineman, cornerback, edge rusher and receiver, and various mock drafts have the Pats selecting everyone from Georgia's Nolan Smith and Broderick Jones, Illinois' Devon Witherspoon, Northwestern's Peter Skoronski and Boston College's Zay Flowers.

A year ago the Pats shocked the NFL by trading down to select unheralded Chattanooga offensive lineman Cole Strange in the first round, then trading up in the second to draft speedy Baylor receiver Tyquan Thornton.

What will Bill Belichick cook up entering his 24th season in Foxboro?

A look at New England's picks:

Round 1 - 17th overall

Round 2 - 46

Round 3 - 76 (from Panthers)

Round 4 - 107 (from Rams)

                   117

                  120 (from Steelers)

                   135 (compensatory for J.C. Jackson)

Round 6 - 184 (from Panthers)

                  187 (from Raiders)

                  192

                  210 (compensatory for Ted Karras)

Round 7 - 245 (from Buffalo)

More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.