The Baltimore Ravens have an extremely stout defensive line that features players like Calais Campbell, Derek Wolfe, and Brandon Williams. However, the team might see a big leap from another defensive lineman in Justin Madubuike.
The former Texas A&M star showed quite a few flashes in his limited playing time during the 2020 season. His potential has many excited for his 2021 season, including head coach John Harbaugh. When asked about Madubuike, Harbaugh said the team is “fired up” about the second-year player.
“…You saw him today running around. He’s taken a big step. He played well last year, and I do think he’s taken a big step. The growth he’s made between Texas A&M, where he was a good player, but there were things that maybe a first-round talent type guy that people … He dropped to the third round for whatever reason, and we were very, very fortunate and blessed to get him there. [From] when he came and the way he played last year to where he is right now is very encouraging. So, I’m excited about him. I can tell you the defensive line is excited about him, too. I saw Derek Wolfe over there celebrating with him a couple times on some things he did well. So, yes – we’re fired up about [Justin] Madubuike.”
Madubuike totaled 19 tackles and one sack in 10 games last year. With Campbell, Wolfe, and Williams being all over 30 years of age, the team could opt to scale their snaps back a bit and keep them fresh for an end of the year push. If that is the case, Madubuike could see a massive increase in opportunities. He seems ready for the moment if called upon, and many within the organization, including Harbaugh, are looking forward to seeing what the young defensive tackle can do on the football field in 2021.