The 2015 NFL Draft Stock of Luther Maddy

Sep 21, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive tackle Luther Maddy (92) reacts after sacking Marshall Thundering Herd quarterback Rakeem Cato (12) during the second half at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

The Virginia Tech Hokies had 3 players drafted in the 2014 NFL Draft but the Hokies have the potential to have multiple players drafted in the 2015 NFL Draft. Of course, this fall will be big for multiple Hokies as they look to improve their draft stock before the 2015 NFL Draft next spring. One Hokie that right now is well on his way to not only being drafted but also has the potential to go in the first three rounds is DT Luther Maddy.

Luther Maddy has been getting better and better with his stats showing his progression over the last few seasons. Luther Maddy has seen increases in his tackles for loss and sacks every single season and the Hokies will hope he can continue that after the graduations of James Gayle, Derrick Hopkins, and J.R. Collins. Luther Maddy was a Third Team All-ACC player last season after having 55 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks.

Luther Maddy has proven his ability to penetrate up the gut and do damage in stopping the running game or putting the quarterback on the ground. Luther Maddy is not that fast for a defensive tackle but Maddy will probably get faster and more explosive on the defensive line. Luther Maddy brings what many see as slightly below-average height at 6-1 but we saw how Aaron Donald went 12th overall with being just about as tall. Luther Maddy’s yearly improvement also proves that he is a hard working player.

So based on all those numbers, Luther Maddy currerntly projects as a third to fourth round pick in my opinion. Of course, many people probably have Maddy in the fourth to fifth round range but Luther Maddy has had steady progression and there is reason to think that all these projections could change.

Luther Maddy has the chance to have a breakout season in the fall and with his consistent improvement, I would expect Maddy to do exactly that. In an ACC that has lost defensive tackles like Aaron Donald and Timmy Jernigen, Luther Maddy is ready to have a big senior season and push himself into contention to go in the first two rounds of the 2014 NFL Draft. Luther Maddy will get the chance to face off against some talented offensive lineman but Maddy has the talent to be the best defensive tackle in the ACC and climb up many draft boards in the fall.

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