Wisconsin linebacker Maema Njongmeta was a workhorse for the Badgers' defense. Njongmeta totaled 154 tackles, 20 for a loss, and 6.5 sacks throughout a successful career. Njongmeta is bringing that experience and production with him into the 2024 NFL Draft.
Njongmeta recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Njongmeta discussed his Pro Day performance, which teams are showing in his services, why he makes so many plays in the defensive backfield, and more.
JM: You enter the 2024 NFL Draft as a two-year starter at Wisconsin. In those two seasons, you totaled 154 tackles, 20 for a loss, and 6.5 sacks. What is it about your game that allows you to consistently make plays in the backfield?
Maema Njongmeta: I would credit my high football IQ and high motor first and foremost. I participated in the NFL Combine and my Pro Day was recently as well. My 40 time doesn’t line up with my tape. I have better play speed.
I play fast with a high motor. I’m very difficult to block in the run game. That’s a good combination that helps a linebacker like myself make plays behind the line of scrimmage. I also played with some great teammates that made my job easier.
JM: You posted better numbers at Pro Day than at the NFL Combine. I’m sure you were thrilled. I thought the Pro Day numbers were more in line with your tape. How are you explaining the difference between the results?
Maema Njongmeta: I especially thrived in positional drills both at the NFL Combine and my Pro Day. That was the same quality. That placed emphasis on the fact that my play speed is consistent. My play speed didn’t get better. It’s always been consistent.
What really changed was just my technique. I felt good about my technique heading into the 40 at the combine, but I didn’t execute the way I wanted to. Those two weeks in between combine and Pro Day, my trainer and I were hyper-focused on correcting the technique.
We figured out what held me back. Being able to correct those things explains the difference between the two days.
JM: Did you meet with any teams at or before Pro Day, and have you completed any in-person or virtual meetings?
Maema Njongmeta: I recently met with the Raiders and Jaguars. We had some great meetings on Zoom. I also met with a bunch of teams informally at the Hula Bowl, East-West Shrine Game, and NFL Combine. The Falcons and Commanders showed good interest. Free agency adds another layer to that process as teams sort through their team needs.
JM: You’re right about that. What is your favorite aspect of playing the linebacker position?
Maema Njongmeta: I love being involved in a little bit of everything. We have to stop the run, rush the passer, and defend the pass. You’re involved in every aspect of playing defense. You can’t necessarily say that about any other position.
At the end of the day, we have to be the quarterback of the defense, the heart and soul of the defense. They say linebackers are natural-born leaders. I agree with that. That leadership aspect, the ability to impact people, it’s huge both on and off the field.
JM: How would you write your own scouting report? Self-scout yourself for us.
Maema Njongmeta: I’d probably showcase my high motor before anything else. I make for a tough assignment in the run game. I’m big and physical. I’m tough to block in the run game. I’m versatile as a pass rusher and run stopper. Those are some of my strengths.
I’m also becoming increasingly comfortable in the passing game. I want to impact that area as well. If you watch my tape, I got a lot better in coverage as the season went by. I’ve also made strides during the offseason. I’m excited to keep working on my craft.
JM: We appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Maema Njongmeta going to make at the next level?
Maema Njongmeta: Whichever team drafts me is going to get a guy that’s always in the right place. I do the little things right. I’m a consistent player with a high football IQ.
I’m versatile enough to play multiple positions and roles. I’m going to clean things up in the run game. I’m going to blitz the quarterback as well. I’m a hard hitter with a high motor.
Above all, they’re going to get a great teammate. It’s a team sport. I love being a great teammate. It’s never about the individual. You have to elevate your teammates as players and people. That’s something I’ve always done.
