Analysis (Taylor O’Neill):
Madison is exactly the sort of player that the Packers like to draft for their offensive line. A college tackle, Madison is athletic with excellent footwork that helps him to make blocks in space. He’s a smart player who has the instincts and agility to make quick adjustments as a blocker.
He can struggle in pass protection and lacks the strength and solid anchor that one might look for in an NFL tackle. A move inside would make sense for him. Some teams might have been deterred by shorter than desirable arms.
Team Fit (Ross Uglem):
Madison, who graded 2nd in the entire country at tackle for Pro Football Focus, will slide into guard. Madison, who offers versatility, will slide in and compete with a number of players for the right guard position. Madison can also play tackle in a pinch if it’s necessary. Classic Packers OL pick.
NFL Player Comp (Mike Wendlandt) – Ricky Wagner, Lions:
Cole Madison was a college tackle who is likely going to be seen as a guard for the Packers, like most college tackles who end up in Green Bay. At 6’5 and 308 lbs., Madison compares favorably to Ricky Wagner of the Detroit Lions. Long and powerful, Madison is limited athletically and while he could stay outside like Wagner did, he is likely to use his frame to move inside to compete at right guard.
Madison was a victim of Washington State’s pass heavy scheme like Wagner was a victim of Wisconsin’s run scheme, but his length and solid explosiveness make him a good prospect for the interior of the Packers line.
Packers Big Board Rank: NR
Cheesehead TV Draft Guide Positional Rank: NR
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Taylor O\'Neill is a Packer fan born and raised in Oshkosh, WI. He currently lives in Florida and is pursuing his PhD. Taylor is a writer with PackersTalk.com. You can follow him on Twitter at @TaylorONeill87 for more Packer news.
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