No. 44 | Justin Madubuike | DT | Texas A&M
Upgrading the interior defensive line is one of the biggest needs for the Colts this offseason. There is a high chance Ballard targets this position during the first round—probably as high as any position on the roster. But they also have plenty of money to work with in free agency and with some viable starting options available there, they can wait and take a high-upside prospect to pair with the room.
Enter Madubuike. An explosive athlete with the tape that shows the innate ability to get upfield. Working in the Colts’ one-gap front, Madubuike would be a strong fit at the three-technique while also possessing the size to slide over to the nose tackle position in certain packages. Working with power and some agility, Madubuike would be an ideal prospect to target if the Colts wind up adding a starter in free agency.
Madubuike also has the production to back it up. His explosiveness allowed him to record 22.5 tackles for loss and 11.0 sacks during his final 24 games at Texas A&M.
There may be some development needed in the nuances of his game, and there will be limitations. But ask him to get upfield and collapse the pocket, and the Colts will be more than happy with his pick.