Raiders Draft Prospect Profile
Name: Justin Madubuike
Position: Defensive Lineman
School: Texas A&M
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 293 pounds
Stats
Pass Rush
When evaluating Madubuike, look at him in this respect. During his tenure in Colle Station, he excelled with more traits than technique. With power, pad level and good feet, Madubuike made play after play. Now, at the next level, he will need to develop a functional repertoire that doesn’t make him a one-note rusher. His next position coach with take the tools that Madubuike possesses and help him fashion an arsenal that will take his play to the next level. Right now, until then, athleticism and power are his calling cards.
Speed
Forget the great 40 time at the combine. It serves as only a gauge. Now, with the film, Madubuike plays at that time. As a defensive tackle, he wins with that initial burst and quickness. When he gets free, he closes on the target without much of a delay. Madubuike explodes in short-area space.
Agility
Within his ability to win versus blocks, Madubuike displays this tool. Against the cut, look for his arms and base to help him keep his feet, maintaining play viability. Speaking of feet, Madubuike possesses a knack for changing direction. On twists and stunts, he pressures the blockers to meet him while trying to anticipate the depth of rush.
Tackling
With his quickness, Madubuike gets into the target. As a result, his quick hands and wrap stop plays. Yet, Madubuike brings a power aspect to this trait. Angry, active hands will punch the ball loose and forces the ball out. While he flows to the ball, Madubuike tracks and makes the sure stop. Nothing fancy or flashy in this trait. Yet, you cannot knock the results.
Team Fit
Earlier this season, PJ Hall’s name entered the dialog. The team expects him to finally breakthrough. Yet, Mike Mayock harbors no devotion to keeping Hall. Remember Hall was a McKenzie draft pick. Additionally, as a second-round pick, Hall struggled to live up to the high expectations set before him. On the field, his arm length issues negate his athletic traits. Meanwhile, Madubuike is a little taller and uses leverage to win. Statistically, one Hall stat should an eyebrow: He missed 16.1% of his tackles. The Raiders need those two-yard gains to stay that way.
A little alarm went off for third-year DT P.J. Hall today in Indy.
Here’s Mayock: “P.J.’s got a challenge. We have a new defensive line coach coming in, and trust me, Rod Marinelli doesn’t put up with anything but 100 percent hustle. Nothing but.” #Raiders— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) February 25, 2020
Why Madubuike?
Immediately, Madubuike gives the Las Vegas Raiders something they desperately lack: athleticism. With a premium placed on edge rush, some teams forget that interior disruptors become lost. Now, not just employing big tackles to clog up the middle, but athletes that can take double, defeat it and factor into the play. Granted, the Raiders need other defensive positions first. With that said, Madubuike comfortably settles into a late Day Two/early Day Three selections.
