You know what’s an offensive lineman’s worst nightmare? A defensive opponent who hits them in the mouth from the first whistle, and keeps doing it for four quarters (or more, if necessary).
What’s what makes Texas A&M’s Justin Madubuike a prospect nobody will want to line up against.
One of the most disruptive defensive line prospects in the 2020 NFL draft, Madubuike recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his nonstop playing style, his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, and what kind of player he’ll be at the next level.
JM: What can you tell me about the scheme you guys ran at Texas A&M?
Madubuike: We ran a 4-3 defense at Texas A&M. We often moved to a 3-4 front on third downs. That allowed us to create a little more pressure on the edge and blitz up the middle. We primarily lined up in a 4-3 though. We ran a lot of stunts. We had many different pressure packages. Everything was designed to impact the pocket.
JM: What did your coaches ask of you in that system?
Madubuike: They counted on me to cause havoc in the backfield, basically. I was consistently trying to get pressure on the quarterback. We were always looking for the big play as a defense. Whatever I can do to make the quarterback uncomfortable, that was pretty much my goal.
JM: Is that the scheme you’d be most comfortable in at the next level?
Madubuike: I can play in pretty much any scheme. I’ve played in a few different styles of defense. I’ve pretty much seen it all on both sides of the ball. We’ve played against so many different styles of offense. I feel comfortable with everything I’ve seen or played in. I understand how to make plays at both the defensive end and defensive tackle position. I feel comfortable with anything that asks me to create some pressure and stress out the quarterback.
JM: What’s your favorite part about playing on the defensive line?
Madubuike: I love putting my hand in somebody’s throat and just pushing them all the way backwards. I love sacking the quarterback. I’m always looking to cut off the offense’s momentum. That’s how I like to play, dirty and physical. That’s what football is all about.
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
Madubuike: It was a fun experience. It’s definitely a different experience. There’s a lot going on but I definitely enjoyed the process and everything that came with it.
JM: Taking every part of the combine into account, what do you feel is the overall impression that you left on the 32 teams out there?
Madubuike: I think I proved that I’m one of the best defensive players in this draft class. I’ve been a little overlooked throughout my collegiate career, and I’m not sure why that is. I can’t control any of that stuff. Whoever drafts me, they’re getting a guy that loves the game. I’m full of energy and ready to wreak havoc on Sunday’s. I’m gonna do whatever it takes to help make the team successful.
JM: How do you approach your rush plan throughout a particular game? What goes into that decision-making process for you?
Madubuike: Play-calling is the biggest thing for me. I’m always trying to execute the play to the best of my ability. I notice things during my film study throughout the week. My teammates and I will discuss that over the course of a game. We might mention something to our coaching staff. We were all good communicators at Texas A&M. We were always looking for ways to work through difficulties or match-ups. There’s always something that can be adjusted or tightened up. I can always tidy up my stance. I can always narrow my stance. There’s always something to work on and fix. That’s basically how I approach it.
JM: Were you able to get any private visits or workouts in before COVID-19 shut everything down?
Madubuike: I wasn’t able to get any workouts in. I had a bunch of private visits planned, but I didn’t make it to many of them. I made a private visit to Tennessee to meet with the Titans. That was actually the only visit I was able to get in before everyone was pulled off the road.
JM: It sounds like you had a few other visits planned. Have you moved those visits to the phones? Have you used FaceTime with any teams recently?
Madubuike: Yeah, I’ve been very busy with that. I’ve spoken with the Saints, Eagles, Vikings and Bengals recently. Those are the ones that immediately come to mind. I’ve spoken with a bunch of teams, really.
JM: Who are some of the best offensive linemen you’ve gone up against?
Madubuike: I like to think of offensive linemen as units more than individuals. LSU, Clemson and Alabama come to mind. All three of those offensive lines were pretty good. They had a bunch of big, strong guys up front. They were all pretty physical. It’s no surprise, those were some of the best teams in the country. It’s tough to single any of those out.
JM: What’s your favorite way to demoralize your opponent?
Madubuike: I love to smack them in the mouth from the opening whistle. I’m always looking to hit somebody. My level of physicality remains extremely high throughout the entire game. They’ll shut it down eventually. They can’t keep up with me. Nobody can match my physicality. There’s where I make my money. It’s all about making big plays.
JM: At this point in time, are you more comfortable as a run stopper, or pass rusher?
Madubuike: I can’t really pick between the two. I think I do a great job in both of those areas. I’m really strong in both areas. I love getting sacks, though. I’m always looking to create pressure on the quarterback.
JM: What can you tell me about your pass rush arsenal?
Madubuike: I’m gonna knock his jaw off his face and push him back into the quarterback. My hands are extremely violent. I can get on the edge and use my quickness as well. I’m big, physical and strong. That’s the name of the game.
JM: Do you have a go-to move?
Madubuike: I like using a swipe-scissors on the edge. If that doesn’t work, I can counter back inside. I can attack multiple gaps. I like using the long-arm as well. I can mirror my hands. Things of that nature.
JM: When a team uses a draft pick on Justin Madubuike, what kind of guy are they getting?
Madubuike: They’re getting a guy that’s gonna come in ready to work from day one. I’m not gonna party because I got drafted. That’s nonsense. It’s time to work. I’m playing against the best in the world now. It’s time to get to work. I’m gonna be on the same page as my coaching staff. That’s the kinda guy they’re getting, a big, strong, physical and violent football player.
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