Denver Broncos draft Bradley Chubb: Instant grade and analysis

The Denver Broncos selected Bradley Chubb with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Here’s all you need to know about Chubb, including our grade.

The Denver Broncos had several directions they could have gone with the No. 5 overall pick. They opted to get another dominating pass rusher to play opposite of perennial All-Pro Von Miller. Denver made a great pick in selecting North Carolina State Wolfpack defensive end Bradley Chubb with the fifth pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Strengths

The talented Chubb saw the field as a freshman with the Wolfpack in 2013 but he wasn’t much of a factor. But that changed in a hurry as over the next three years, he played in a total of 38 games. It added up to 25 sacks, including 10 quarterback traps in both 2016 and ‘17.

The 6-foot-4, 269-pound native of Marietta, Georgia, was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and also captured both the Bronko Nagurski Award and Ted Hendricks Awards for his play this past year. Chubb should be able to dominate at the point of attack in both the pass and run game, giving him the ultimate weapon as an edge rusher.

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Weaknesses

There’s no question that Chubb will be bringing a lot to the table and figures to contribute as a rookie. But like any young player, there is always room for improvement. The 21-year-old prospect (who turns 22 on June 24) is loaded with talent but still has a little some work to do to bolster his game.

That evaluation comes via Ourlads Scouting Services, which states Chubb is a “solid tackler but he struggles to come to balance and finish with a wrap tackle at times due to his high energy style of play. Must improve on playing the low cut blocks.”

Meanwhile, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein feels that the first-round selection “plays top-heavy at times” and also “needs to play under control.”

Grade

Denver may have wanted to go with a defensive back here, but Denzel Ward went off the board the pick before to the Cleveland Browns at No. 4. Chubb could be a superstar at Mile High for the next decade. However, don’t the Broncos have other more pressing needs, like fixing their offensive line?

Grade: A-