Draft Option Two: Justin Madubuike, DL, Texas A&M
This guy would be more of a penetrating rusher than a sit-still and eat up space guy. That’s what the Lions could use at the moment though. Madubuike may not be too recognizable of a name, but he is someone who is starting to gain more traction throughout the football industry.
His impressive gap-shooting skills and good technique allows him to win most of his battles. However, things could be better. He does not have the best motor according to The Draft Network’s Joe Marino and this could bring back unpleasant memories for Lions’ fans.
Former Lions’ defensive tackle Nick Fairley was a guy many thought could be an annual Pro-Bowl player, but his lack of a consistent motor eventually took him out of favor with the team and he never lived up to his potential.
Marino had his concerns about Madubuike, but ultimately he liked his pros more than he disliked his cons. He demonstrated this by stating that:
"“Logged consecutive seasons of at least 40 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in 2018 and 2019 … brings an appealing penetration-style skill set … Madubuike should earn playing time early in his career as a rotational piece but he can absolutely become a valuable starter if he finds that consistency.”"
While it may not be heartening to hear about the lack of a consistent motor, it is important to remember what Fairley could have been had he cleaned that up. Taking Madubuike in the third round of the NFL draft would be a good value for someone that could provide regular interior pressure as a rookie.