The Titans are showing increased interest in Justin Madubuike.
The Tennessee Titans have apparently spoken to Texas A&M defensive tackle Justin Madubuike on more than one occasion.
Draft Wire’s Justin Melo recently reported that the Titans held a top 30 visit with Madubuike, but now he lists the Titans as one of the teams that have “spoken the most” with him.
Adding to this, Justin Madubuike has recently held pre-draft meetings over FaceTime with the #Eagles, #Cowboys, #Falcons & #Ravens. He's also held more discussions w/ the #Titans. He's spoken the most w/ Titans & Ravens. https://t.co/VWchoxLat4
Melo also reports that the Titans met with Boise State defensive lineman David Moa, who could get drafted on Day 3.
The #Titans have held discussions & expressed interest in Michigan EDGE Michael Danna & Boise State DL David Moa, per source. Both players have a shot to get drafted on Day 3.
This would seem to indicate that the Titans are seriously interested in adding a defensive lineman at some point during the draft — and if it’s Madubuike, it would be somewhat early on.
Madubuike projects to be a Day 2 pick and could certainly be an option for the Titans late in the second round.
“Undersized early-entry defensive tackle who lacks NFL mass but gets wins with leverage, strength and quickness. Madubuike played in front of blockers in college but is more likely to be schemed as a moving target whose quickness and athletic ability can benefit him. He’s not overly explosive off the snap, so getting on top of blockers with quickness could be the difference between surviving and thriving. Madubuike projects as a rotational one-gapping tackle with upward mobility, but the floor is a little lower, due to size and scheme limitations.”
Tennessee traded Jurrell Casey to the Denver Broncos this offseason, and with DaQuan Jones set to be a free agent in 2021, the team would be wise to start exploring options for the future.
As of right now, the only move the Titans have made to add a defensive lineman in free agency was the signing of Jack Crawford, who has spent the vast majority of his career as a backup but could push to be a starter.
General manager Jon Robinson used the No. 19 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft on defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons and looks intent on continuing to build the defensive front through the draft.
Draft Wire’s Justin Melo is reporting that the Falcons were one of a handful of teams to meet with Texas A&M’s Justin Madubuike.
As we are just a week away from the start of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons continue to meet with this year’s top defensive prospects.
Draft Wire’s Justin Melo is reporting that the Falcons were one of a handful of teams to meet with Texas A&M’s Justin Madubuike:
Adding to this, Justin Madubuike has recently held pre-draft meetings over FaceTime with the #Eagles, #Cowboys, #Falcons & #Ravens. He's also held more discussions w/ the #Titans. He's spoken the most w/ Titans & Ravens. https://t.co/VWchoxLat4
Madubuike is a 6-foot-3, 304-pound interior defensive lineman. Last season for the Aggies, he finished with 45 tackles (18 solo), 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception.
Atlanta reportedly met with South Dakota State fullback Mikey Daniel earlier this week as well:
South Dakota State FB Mikey Daniel held pre-draft meetings over FaceTime earlier this week w/ the #Falcons & #Chargers.
Texas A&M defensive tackle Justin Madubuike is getting plenty of looks ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft, and one team showing interest is the Tennessee Titans.
Madubuike has met with a host of teams.
In addition to the Titans, the former Aggie has also met with the Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals.
He’s a prospect that no offensive lineman wants to face, and he’s been described as one of the most “nonstop” players in this year’s draft.
While he functioned in a 4-3 defense at Texas A&M, he’s also worked in a 3-4 front on third downs.
Madubuike is confident he can adjust to any of the NFL’s schemes.
“I feel comfortable with everything I’ve seen or played in,” he told Justin Melo of Draft Wire. “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.”
He also said he made a private visit to meet with the Titans — the only one he was able to make before the effects of COVID-19 shut everything down.
The 6-foot-3, 293-pounder started in 23 of 38 career games for Texas A&M, and totaled 105 tackles, 24.5 for a loss, 11 sacks and five forced fumbles.
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Texas A&M defensive line prospect Justin Madubuike
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.
John Glaser-USA TODAY Sports
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.
(AP Photo/Sam Craft)
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.
(AP Photo/Sam Craft)
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.
Breaking down the draft profile of Texas A&M DL Justin Madubuike, a potential pick for the Packers in the 2020 draft.
The Green Bay Packers must use the 2020 NFL Draft to provide the finishing touches on a team that won 13 regular-season games and got within one game of the Super Bowl during Matt LaFleur’s first season as head coach.
Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect fitting the Packers’ roster needs.
Up next is Texas A&M DL Justin Madubuike:
What he can do
– Solid initial quickness. Won’t overwhelm many offensive linemen with burst alone, but when he bends under them and gets off the snap as quickly as he can, he’s tough to block
– Very good long speed. Ran a 4.83 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine
– Impressive ability to bend and redirect. Reduces surface area with shoulder dip and knives through gaps to apply pressure or make plays in the backfield. Has the potential to wreak havoc as a stunting defender
– Flashes of hand-fighting skill. Effective push-pull and forklift moves. Has won reps with swipe-rip and club-swim moves as well
– Keeps pads low and plays with leverage at all times to maximize play strength. Offensive linemen rarely get underneath him
– Effective speed-to-power pass rusher. Collapses the pocket with power moves. Makes the jobs of his edge-rusher teammates much easier by limiting a quarterback’s ability to step up
– Draws frequent double teams as a pass rusher. Teams often slid a guard over to help on his side of the field or chipped him with a running back or tight end
– Rock-solid run defender. Always plays with leverage, lands hands inside consistently and typically stacks and sheds without issue. Will work to refit hands if he gives up his chest early in the rep. Holds up well versus single blocks. Sets a firm edge when deployed at defensive end
– Posted two consecutive years of good production in the SEC. Tallied 5.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons and a combined 85 tackles and 22 tackles for loss over that time
– Lacks consistent secondary pass-rush moves. Will struggle to free himself from blockers if his initial move is countered. Could use more variety in initial pass-rush plans
– Can get uprooted and displaced by combo blocks. Doesn’t have the mass (6’3″, 293 lbs.) or lower-body strength needed to handle consistent two-gap responsibilities
– Can get outreached at times and turned out of gaps by longer-limbed offensive linemen
– Has room for improvement with snap count anticipation
– Motor comes and goes. Doesn’t show much hustle if a quarterback escapes the pocket. Won’t always work hard to free himself from blocks if he’s stalled after the initial move
How he fits
Madubuike is much better in a one-gap penetrating defensive tackle role than he is in a two-gap space-eating role. Because of his skill set, he’s not an ideal fit for the Packers’ base 3-4 defense. However, since defensive coordinator Mike Pettine likes to deploy nickel and dime packages so frequently, Madubuike could still be an asset to the defense on the majority of downs at his most natural position, 3-technique defensive tackle.
The Packers already have a very good 1-technique defensive tackle in Kenny Clark, but they could still use a new 3-technique to replace Mike Daniels. Madubuike could be what they’re looking for.
NFL comp
It’s not a perfect comparison, but I see some similarities to New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. Both Rankins and Madubuike are slightly undersized one-gap defensive tackles with an impressive blend of quickness, fluidity, flexibility and power. Both players play with excellent leverage and both lacked consistent pass-rush counters as college players.
Where Packers could get him
Madubuike is commonly viewed as a top-five interior defensive line prospect in this draft class behind Auburn’s Derrick Brown and South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw. Some pundits also rank him behind one or both of the Big 12 defensive line standouts: TCU’s Ross Blacklock and Oklahoma’s Neville Gallimore.
If Madubuike is the third, fourth or fifth player off the board at his position like many analysts are projecting, then his draft ceiling probably resides near the end of Round 1.
After dazzling at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.83-second 40-yard dash, 7.37-second 3-cone and 31 bench reps, the former Aggie likely solidified himself as a top-50 pick.
To secure Madubuike’s services, the Packers would likely need to draft him at pick No. 30 (at which point he might be a slight reach), trade down into the second-round or make a significant move up the board from No. 62. Madubuike may or may not be the top target at pick No. 30, but at the very least, he’d be a strong trade-down target.
The Cincinnati Bengals have forged ahead during a unique 2020 NFL draft process by holding pre-draft meetings with several major defensive names.
Antoine Winfield Jr. headlines those names, though Justin Madubuike and Chris Orr shouldn’t go unnoticed. Justin Melo of Draft Wire revealed all three meets for the Bengals.
Winfield, a safety from Minnesota, has the notable name and big play to back it up. He’s graded as a starter within the first two seasons by Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, which probably has him as a candidate for the No. 33 pick to pair with Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates.
Madubuike isn’t as recognizable of a name but he might just make it into the first round. So it seems to go for a potential one-gap tackle who can disrupt or anchor against the run.
As for Orr, he’s more of a value buy in the mid-rounds or later, but as depth and a guy who can put pressure on the quarterback, it’s hard to complain about the interest.
As expected, the Bengals have their eyes all over defenders in this draft class even after retooling the unit with several new starters in free agency. While Joe Burrow is No. 1, the three names here should get marked down as ones to remember.
Texas A&M DT Justin Madubuike was able to get in a top 30 visit w/ the #Titans prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.
He's also held pre-draft meetings with the #Saints, #Vikings & #Bengals over FaceTime recently.
Cleveland Browns 2020 NFL draft: A defensive tackle prospect for every round
Next up in the series recommending a player for each of the seven rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft at a particular position group for the Cleveland Browns: defensive tackle.
It’s a definite need for Cleveland, though not necessarily an urgent one. Sheldon Richardson is a great starting point and played well in his first season with the Browns. Newcomer Andrew Billings is an ascending talent at nose tackle, while enigmatic Larry Ogunjobi enters his contract year.
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Who fits best for what new defensive coordinator Joe Woods might want up front in Cleveland? Here is a defensive tackle prospect for each and every round in the draft who could make the Browns better on the line.
First round: Javon Kinlaw
Kinlaw leaped into the national consciousness by almost singlehandedly leading the South Carolina Gamecocks to upset the heavily favored Georgia Bulldogs last fall. It was the most impressive single-game performance by any player I watched all year.
Kinlaw is a physical freak who has worked hard at remaking his body and getting both quicker and stronger. He’s too fast for interior blockers when he gets the initial jump, and his swim, rip and up-and-under moves are polished already. There is some bust potential but also very high-end impact ability right away.
If the Browns somehow don’t take an offensive tackle in the first round, Kinlaw would be my No. 1 choice at No. 10.
Second round: Justin Madubuike
Madubuike posted just modest production in the last two seasons at Texas A&M (5.5 sacks both years), but he’s a player whose impact goes beyond the box score. He’s a quick gap-shooting 3-tech who wins with fast hands and feet and natural leverage. Madubuike is light at about 290 pounds, but he’s functionally strong and uses his lither build effectively to winnow past big blockers. He’s also quite good at chasing down mobile QBs and stretch runs.
The biggest wart with Madubuike is his overeager nature on the field. He runs himself out of the hole in the run game and will get pushed too far upfield on his rush at times, too. Those are problematic but coachable issues.
NFL teams are adjusting to the new reality of doing business during the coronavirus pandemic, forced to interview draft prospects remotely over video chat services like FaceTime. The New Orleans Saints are one franchise that has embraced that option, having reportedly met with several prospects at linebacker remotely. Now we have another name on their board in Texas A&M defensive lineman Justin Madubuike.
Justin Melo over at Draft Wire reported that Madubuike spoke with the Saints and several other teams, including the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals. Before NFL-mandated travel restrictions were put in place, Madubuike also made a formal visit to the Tennessee Titans facility as one of 30 trips teams are each allowed to host.
So why all the interest? Madubuike has been a force for the Aggies, putting up impressive college game tape filled with bright moments. He declared for the draft early after his junior year, having put up 40-plus tackles in each of the last two years (with a combined 105 tackles in his career, totaling 24.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks). He also logged five forced fumbles and four pass breakups in his time at College Station. On top of that, Madubuike intercepted a pass and returned it 18 yards in 2019, no small thing for a 6-foot-3, 293-pound wrecking ball.
Madubuike was a participant at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine, where he turned in performances in the 40-yard dash (4.83 seconds) and the three-cone drill (7.37 seconds) that are great for an athlete of his size, while also impressing with 31 reps on the 225-pound bench press. He’s obviously put in the work teams want to see in the weight room.
If he aces his interviews with NFL personnel, Madubuike should be a slam-dunk pick on the second day of April’s draft (which features rounds two and three). While the Saints have their starting interior duo locked in between David Onyemata and Malcom Brown, former first-round pick Sheldon Rankins is no sure thing to hit the ground running in a contract year.
If there’s going to be another delay in his recovery (Rankins missed time early last season from a previously-torn Achilles tendon, and ended the year on injured reserve), someone like Madubuike might make sense as a long-term investment on the depth chart. He and Saints fan folk hero Shy Tuttle would allow the Saints to run very deep at an important position for the foreseeable future.
6 Lions 2nd-round options if they draft CB Jeff Okudah in the 1st round of the 2020 NFL Draft
Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah is the current flavor of the Lions mock draft selection choices at No. 3 overall. Presuming that current popular projection becomes reality, what happens next for the Lions?
Specifically, where would GM Bob Quinn and the team look with the team’s second selection, No. 35 overall in the second round?
There are quite a few paths the Lions can go down with Okudah in the fold in the first round. Without traveling down the “trade up” pathway, here are a few of my preferred routes…
A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
During the college season, Epenesa was often projected — often to the Lions — as a top-12 overall pick. The luster faded after his mediocre athletic testing, but that shouldn’t concern teams like Detroit picking in the 26-35 overall range. Here’s why.
Epenesa is a master technician with his hands, shoulders, feet and hips. Being an average athlete didn’t stop him from being wildly productive in college; he’s not dependent upon being a better athlete than the tackle trying to block him, which is not true of several other EDGE prospects in this range and is by far the biggest reason why top-50 pass rushers fail and bust.
Another thing to like about Epenesa is his frame. He played at 275 but has the body structure to get up to the 290 range in the mold of J.J. Watt, capable of playing DE in a 3 or 4-man front. He’s not that dynamic of an athlete (few humans are) but the way Epenesa won in college echoes how Watt thrived at Wisconsin.
A look at seven players the Seattle Seahawks could select in the 2020 NFL draft, following their moves in free agency.
The Seattle Seahawks, through the first week of free agency, have made a handful of moves to further solidify areas of need on the 2020 roster.
Those moves have almost certainly altered their draft board, putting heavier emphasis on some positions while making other positions less important.
Here at the Seahawks Wire, we have altered our draft projections as well. Using The Draft Network’s mock draft machine, we ran another potential mock draft based on Seattle’s updated needs, and the loss of a fifth round pick thanks to the Quinton Dunbar trade.
Here is a write-up of each of the seven mocked selections for the Seahawks, and why the picks would make sense for Pete Carroll, John Schneider and company as they look to build a Super Bowl contender in 2020.
