Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike has been one of the biggest standouts so far during 2021 training camp. He is expected to take on a bigger role during this upcoming season due to Baltimore potentially scaling back snaps for the trio of Calais Campbell, Derek Wolfe and Brandon Williams so that they can stay fresh and healthy for the entire year.
Madubuike has been earning the praises of his teammates and coaches throughout the offseason. For example, a few months ago, defensive lineman Calais Campbell said that he expects big things out of his teammate. After Friday’s training camp practice, two other members of the Ravens’ organization gushed about Madubuike in defensive lineman Derek Wolfe and run game coordinator/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, who both complemented the former Texas A&M star. Wolfe said that Madubuike is “just getting better and better”.
“He’s just getting better and better. That kid is … If you were going to draw up who you wanted in a three-technique, that’s how you’d draw them up. That’s what you want them to look like, that’s how you want them to … His explosiveness, his strength, his bend – he’s the full package, man. He’s going to be – once he really understands how good he is and he really grasps that – he’s going to be dangerous, and he’s a smart kid too, so he’ll pick it up quick. So, I love what I’m seeing from him.”
Weaver went into detail about what he thinks is special about Madubuike, calling his upside “limitless”.
“His upside is limitless. He has all the talent in the world. He has got burst, speed, strength; he can bend. For him, it’s just a matter of catching up his football intelligence with his athletic ability. Once it clicks for him, it could be really special to watch, and I’m just happy to be here and help mentor him. And the thing about it is, he’s got a bunch of leaders in the room; Calais Campbell, Derek Wolfe, Brandon Williams all see the same thing, and they’re imparting that wisdom and knowledge they have, as well. So, he’s certainly going to get there, because everybody is pushing for him, and the kid works his butt off.”
The second-year defensive tackle had a strong back half of 2020 and finished his rookie season with 19 tackles and one sack. It’s anticipated that Madubuike will take on a much larger role to begin 2021, so if he can pick up where he left off last year, he could be in for a true breakout campaign.