The New England Patriots select wide receiver Puka Nacua over linebacker Marte Mapu with the No. 76 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Mapu has collected one interception in each of the three seasons that he’s played in with the Patriots from 2023-25. However, the Sacramento State product has only started in 10 of the 44 games that he’s played in that span.
While Mapu has found playing time in New England throughout his young career, the Patriots did not capitalize on adding the reigning First-Team All-Pro wide receiver Nacua, as well as a 1,000-yard rusher from last season, back in 2023 at No. 76 overall.
New Selection: WR Puka Nacua (Los Angeles Rams)
No. 177 overall pick in 2023 – Los Angeles Rams
Nacua spells danger for opposing defensive backfields as a deep-ball threat in the NFL. The BYU product led the NFL in receptions of 20 or more yards in 2025 with 27. He is the NFL’s all-time career leader in yards per game at 95.3. Nacua has gone for 1,000 yards twice in three seasons played in the league, including 1,715 receiving yards in 16 games played in 2025.
Honorable mention: RB De’Von Achane (Miami Dolphins)
No. 84 overall pick in 2023 – Miami Dolphins
Achane went for 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in 2025 with 1,350 yards on the ground. The Texas A&M product averages 7.3 rushing touchdowns per season for his career. Achane was another 1,000-yard rusher to pair with the Patriots’ own, Rhamondre Stevenson, two years prior to drafting TreVeyon Henderson in 2025.
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