Whether or not the Jacksonville Jaguars take a top tier defensive lineman early, they should address the need later in the draft. Defensive tackles Derrick Brown and Javon Kinlaw are highly regarded as top prospects and on the radar early. However, there is another pair of Texas-sized defensive tackles who have tremendous upside and would be a welcome asset along the Jaguars defensive front. Justin Madubuike and Ross Blacklock are potentially great mid-round defensive tackles for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Mid-Round Defensive Tackles for the Jacksonville Jaguars
Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M (6’3″, 293 pounds)
Justin Madubuike has as much talent as his SEC peers, Brown and Kinlaw. He is a two-time Texas A&M defensive MVP and earned first-team All-SEC honors last season. Last year as a redshirt junior in College Station, he tallied 11 tackles for loss along with five sacks. He is durable and never missed a game due to injury. Yet, he does not have the first round grade tagged to him.
Hot and Cold
Madubuike possesses superior athleticism and strength to disrupt a play. Yet, on his film, there is a lack of consistency. This lack of motivation can be corrected at the next level by quality coaches. If he is able to begin in a rotational role in the NFL, his aggressiveness can be frequently present, therefore enabling him to impact the game for years to come.
Trench Life
As a defensive tackle in the SEC, Madubuike faced superior competition on a weekly basis. Each year he was able to polish his technique in the trenches by using his hands to shed blockers. He is an above average tackler and takes his job as a run-stopper seriously. But it doesn’t end there.
As a pass rusher he utilizes quick feet, balance, and leg drive to gain early leverage. He has a variety of moves that assist him with disrupting the offensive backfield. In one on one battles, he does an admirable job not telegraphing his moves. Penetration is his game, but he will need to do it every snap to become elite.
Ross Blacklock, TCU (6’3″, 290 pounds)
One of the more dynamic defensive linemen in this year’s draft is Ross Blacklock. His physical tools and ability allow him to move across different positions along the defensive front. While at TCU, Blacklock showcased the ability to take on double teams in the interior, in addition to rushing the passer from the edge. Defensive coordinators can get creative with Blacklock and create winnable situations with his skills.
Lost Season
After an impressive 2017 freshman campaign, including a handful of Big 12 honors, expectations were high for Blacklock. Unfortunately he was sidelined after suffering an Achilles injury in an August practice. During this lost season, not all was lost, as Blacklock changed physically by losing 25 pounds. He arrived to spring practice with a new body and a new attitude.
Last Season
2019 was a season of vindication for Blacklock. His relentlessness aggression landed him a spot on the first-team all-Big 12 defense. Through 12 starts he caused chaos in Big 12 backfields, landing four sacks and nine tackles for loss. His combination of speed and strength has opened eyes across the NFL landscape. He initiates the point of contact with aggression. Of course, the Achilles injury is a concern for an athlete his size and could limit valuable snaps early on in his career. However, his versatility and athleticism makes him a must-have target for Jacksonville.
Last Word on Blacklock and Madubuike
The Jaguars have the opportunity to solidify their future defensive line during the upcoming draft. With seven picks in the first four rounds, opportunity to find the one or two right interior defensive lineman is possible. Both Blacklock and Madubuike could be the answer. Both possess the size, techniques, and athleticism to be impactful at the next level. Solid coaching and the right system can make these two names ones whom fans will cheer for in the future.
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