The addition of D.J. Reader to the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive line may not be the only one the team makes this offseason.
The Bengals recently had a pre-draft meeting over FaceTime with defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, per Justin Melo of The Draft Wire.
Texas A&M DT Justin Madubuike was able to get in a top 30 visit w/ the #Titans prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) March 30, 2020
He's also held pre-draft meetings with the #Saints, #Vikings & #Bengals over FaceTime recently.
Since no team can host players in person right now due to the COVID-19 pandemic, FaceTime calls are the alternative teams are using to talk to players. Obviously, private workouts are also off the table here, so the call becomes even more important.
Madubuike is worth at least chatting with. Even though the Bengals are pretty much set at defensive tackle for 2020, the former Texas A&M pass rusher posted 11 sacks and 24.5 tackles for loss during his three-year career with the Aggies. He then tested extremely well at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine; running a 4.83 40-yard dash and a 7.37 three-cone at 6-2 and 293 pounds. Those are the numbers of an effective pass-rusher in the NFL.
There’s a good chance the Bengals are on the clock to start the third round and Madubuike is the best player available. If they truly want to help out Geno Atkins, inserting Madubuike into the rotation as his backup and future replacement could be an avenue they explore.
He may not be a linebacker or an offensive lineman, but his presence can have plenty of value for Cincinnati.