Marte Mapu shifted to linebacker under Vrabel-Williams, trimming to about 215 pounds and unlocking downhill, coverage-ready instincts. He’s a core special-teams performer who has started to read, shed blocks, and close on plays at a higher level. With 53-man cuts done, New England’s depth at the second level could push Mapu into bigger defensive duties if injuries test the roster.

Newcomers include DeVito and Woods, while Gonzalez’s hamstring status looms as Week 1 approaches. The Week 1 clash with Las Vegas could expose Mapu’s fit in real-game speed, while Maye’s opener might carry jitters for a rookie quarterback room. The mix of roster turnover and Vrabel’s scheme sets the stage for a pivotal start to the Patriots’ season from a fantasy IDP perspective.