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Cole “Moose” Madison’s Offensive Line Mentality? “Play Nasty”

The Redskins have shown interest in the tough Washington State lineman

By Aaron Lesher
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 16 Oregon State at Washington State Photo by Robert Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Cole Madison, OT/G
School: Washington State | Conference: Pac-12
College Experience: Redshirt Senior | Age: 22
Height / Weight: 6-5 / 314lbs
Projected Draft Status: 3rd - 5th round
NFL Comparison: David Bakhtiari

Player Summary: Former HS basketball player and tight end who was originally recruited as an “athlete” to WSU. Made 47 collegiate starts, mainly at RT, second-most in WSU history. As a senior, named to second-team All-Pac-12 and All-American honorable mention. PFF darling; graded out at No. 1 offensive tackle in the country in 2017 (91.5 overall grade, 93.8 pass block grade, 83.1 run block grade). On 554 pass-blocking snaps in 2017, Madison allowed three sacks, 0 QB hits and five hurries. He’s mentally tough and athletic. In his spare time he enjoys hunting and the outdoors.

Strengths

  • Long arms (super important in tackles and guards)
  • Good size and muscular development
  • Athletic
  • Plays with balance and wide base
  • Tons of experience in pass protection
  • Self-described nasty streak
  • Tough competitor

Weaknesses

  • Lacks experience with NFL-style protections and run blocking
  • Sub-optimal foot speed to handle speedy outside rushers
  • Didn’t face many NFL-level defensive linemen in the Pac-12

Media

How He’d Fit on the Redskins
Redskins’ scouts met with Madison 2x at the Senior Bowl, so there’s obviously some level of interest there. With no current need at offensive tackle and a locked down right guard spot in Pro Bowler Brandon Scherff, the Skins could be projecting him to fill the up-for-grabs left guard spot. However it’s great versatility to be able to play tackle if needed — just look at last year’s offensive line carousel to see how valuable position flexibility is when injuries strike.

Madison has shown he’s a very effective pass blocker, which, let’s face it, is a critical part of playing in Gruden’s offense. On the occasions WSU did run the ball though, he showed good speed off the snap and kept his legs churning into defenders. On a couple different plays (granted, I didn’t have access to All-22 film) I saw Madison finish linebackers and DBs into the ground and make sure they stayed down; definitely a positive trait in an offensive linemen.

Madison has good size, pass protection experience, technique and intangibles, so if the Redskins can get him at a value in the draft and believe he’s capable of switching to left guard (with swing tackle value as well), I’m all for it.

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