The Denver Broncos have selected defensive end Bradley Chubb with No. 5 pick in the NFL Draft. Chubb dominated opposing offenses as an edge rusher in the North Carolina State Wolfpack defense.
A three-year starter at North Carolina State, Chubb played on the left and right side and barely took a break – he finished his college career with 2,026 snaps. He played 87% of the teams defensive snaps in 2017. He leaves NC State with school records for sacks (26) and tackles for loss (60).
Bradley Chubb poses after being picked by the Denver Broncos during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas.
John Elway tweeted that Chubb is “best defensive player” in this year’s draft.
We really wanted Bradley Chubb and are thrilled to make him a Denver Bronco.
Bradley’s the best defensive player in the draft. He can rush the passer, is a hard worker and will be a great fit, complementing Von, Shane & Shaq!
– John Elway (@johnelway) April 27, 2018
“I see myself fitting right in. I’m exciting to get to work with guys like Von (Miller) and Shane (Ray). I’m looking forward to the opportunity and can’t wait”, Chubb said after getting picked.
Defensive End Bradley Chubb
“I plan to come in and contribute right away … the end goal for me is to be a starter, but I’m ready to contribute any way I can.”
With his competitive-makeup and diverse skill set, Chubb is an immediate NFL starter. He will hold up against the run and will find ways to disrupt the pocket. He’s drawn comparisons to Chandler Jones. And he’s been referred to as a “Khalil Mack and Von Miller in one.”
With Miller and Chubb on the field, the Broncos defense has the potential to be a nightmare for offenses in 2018.
Chubb said he was surprised to be picked by Denver.
“I met with them once at the Combine. We went over plays and stuff like that…it was surprising to see that I’m going to Denver because I only met with them one time”, he said.
“He has upside as a potential Justin Houston type of player. That’s who his game is most reminiscent of in the NFL. We’ve seen the success that Houston has had in spots. This is a player that’s a lot different than Houston was coming out of Georgia when there were questions about Houston’s motor. With Chubb, there’s no questions about how hard he’s going to play. I don’t know if there’s a player that plays harder or gets more out of his ability than Chubb”, said Corey Chavous, former NFL safety and current CBS Sports Network analyst.
“Mentally, I think he’s ready for the NFL level and I think the game is important to him. He’s a guy that has a chance to be a consistent producer year in and year out, game in and game out.”
Ray and Shaq Barrett are also players with similar skill sets to Chubb on the Broncos roster.
“I think the Broncos address a need with this (pick)”, CBS4’s Michael Spencer said. “You wonder what (Barrett and Ray’s) futures are with the Broncos. John Elway was asked about Shane Ray the other day and whether they’ll pick up his fifth-year option. He said he wasn’t quite sure yet.”
Chris Harris Jr. was among the Broncos players who were pleased with the pick, tweeting “Yessir Elway @johnelway Great Pick”.