The NFL draft is nearly upon us and we are getting a clearer picture about who will be selected in every spot. Much of the pre-draft talk has surrounded RB Saquon Barkley, and historically QB’s have a funny way of making their way towards the top of the draft. But Bradley Chubb has done an excellent job at showing the NFL that he has a legitimate claim at being the top pick this year.
The value of the pass rushing position has skyrocketed in recent years with the emergence of superstars like Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. It is far and away the most important part of the defense, and it is even almost as important as the QB. You cannot be successful in this league without the ability to get pressure on the QB, forcing him to make mistakes. Bradley Chubb, the first team All-American and first team All-ACC senior who won the 2017 Hendricks (best defensive end) and Bronko Nagurski (best defender) award winner, looks to be one of the better pass rushing prospects there has been in the last few years. In his senior season, he finished second in the entire FBS with 26 tackles for loss, and finished with 10 sacks. He also forced three fumbles. These stats and game film highlight his elite blend of size and athleticism. He also possesses a great ability to shoot gaps, allowing him to get past offensive lineman and make plays in the opponents backfield.
Here, you can see this ability first-hand…
You can also see it here…
Being able to recognize and follow up on opportunities is imperative to success in the NFL, and Chubb has that ability in tons. Another asset that Chubb possesses is his excellent motor. He loves the game of football and puts 110% effort out there on the field every snap. This allows him to make up for mistakes he may make and able to make touchdown saving tackles 30-40 yards downfield. What makes Chubb so dangerous is his ability to put up high end numbers either put his hand in the ground or as a stand up defender. He matches his skill in coverage matches his skill as a rusher. This allows Chubb to excel and play in multiple fronts, really allowing him to be a three-down defender. And he was able to put up fantastic numbers against NFL-caliber competition in the ACC, proving that the crazy numbers he put up have merit and that he faces well against top level competition. His game tape shows that he is an absolute beast, but his combine performance ranked as one of the best among all participants. His final combine grade, 7.25, was exceptional and highlighted how athletically gifted he really is. The bottom line, Chubb should be a starter from year 1, and could possibly make the pro-bowl in his first year (and if not that he will be a multi-year pro bowler). This along with his high end physical traits and the importance of the pass rusher give Chubb a legitimate claim at being the number 1 pick in this year’s NFL draft.