Patriots OTAs: Rookie Review of Gonzalez, Mapu, Mafi

The New England Patriots 2023 rookie class is proving itself to be helpful in the absence of several starters during OTAs this offseason.

FOXBORO — With the New England Patriots nearing the conclusion of organized team activities (OTAs,) their 2023 rookie class continues to make quite a first impression. 

From highly-touted first round pic Christian Gonzalez making his presence felt at cornerback, to undrafted rookie wide receiver Ed Lee making the most of his reps, the Pats rookies have provided some of the top storylines to emerge from New England’s offseason program. 

With the media next scheduled to observe Patriots OTAs on Friday, here is a trio of rookies on whom Pats fans may want to keep watch. 

Christian Gonzalez 

After missing last week’s open OTA practice, Gonzalez was present on Tuesday. From the outset, the Oregon product aligned as a starter on the outside during team drills, opposite veteran Jonathan Jones. Cornerback (expected to turn safety) Jalen Mills played the slot while second-year defensive back Jack Jones also saw some work on the outside.

Still, Gonzalez was the star of the day, showcasing his abilities as an athletic corner — making an impressive one-armed interception during team drills. From his usage, New England appears to view Gonzalez as an immediate contributor at cover corner who flashes the ability to lock down his side of the field. It will be interesting to see whether he will get the chance to do so for the Pats opposite the Joneses (both Jonathan and Jack) during Friday’s session. 

Marte Mapu

During New England’s offseason workout sessions so far, Mapu has demonstrated his versatility by lining up in various spots on the defensive side of the ball. Though he is officially listed as a linebacker by the Patriots, he has played both an off-the-ball role next to Ja’Whaun Bentley last Wednesday, and the deep safety spot on Tuesday. Mapu’s time at Sacramento State provides a solid blueprint for his potential usage in New England. The 23-year-old aligned as a linebacker, cornerback and even took some reps at the nickel corner over his six-year college tenure. Mapu received a 77.2 grade in pass coverage and 85.9 grade in run defense last season via Pro Football Focus. He logged 510 snaps in the slot and 249 snaps in the box. He also logged 56 snaps back deep and 49 snaps along the defensive line. Mapu’s versatility and upside should keep him in the mix for a prominent role in the upcoming season. 

Atonio Mafi

As tempers flared along the Pats offensive line on Tuesday, a rookie lineman provided some much needed gravitas for the team’s protective unit. Though he was a fifth-round pick for the Pats in April’s draft, Mafi may be in the unique position of competing for a notable roster spot without the ordinarily requisite scrutiny. However, the UCLA product was the team’s choice to replace sidelined guard Michael Onwenu (ankle) at right guard. Mafi projects as a swing option for New England, capable of playing both interior positions. Despite not being invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, Mafi’s athleticism is clearly visible on his game film. He plays with solid balance, which should help him at the pro level. In fact, Mafi’s skill set caught the eye of several Patriots coaches while working together at February’s East-West Shrine Bowl. His ability to movie fluidly with good balance while sustaining his blocks should continue to give him a prominent place on the Patriots draft radar. 

Following Friday’s OTA session, the Patriots are expected to host a three-day mandatory minicamp from June 12-14 on the practice fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium. 

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