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NFL Draft 2018: Five best picks of the first round

By Rucker Haringey

TALLAHASSEE, FL - SEPTEMBER 23: Defensive End Bradley Chubb
TALLAHASSEE, FL - SEPTEMBER 23: Defensive End Bradley Chubb /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 03: North Carolina State defensive lineman Bradley Chubb answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on March 03, 2018 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 03: North Carolina State defensive lineman Bradley Chubb answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on March 03, 2018 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Bradley Chubb-Denver Broncos

Lots of people wanted to see John Elway use the fifth overall selection for a quarterback. Instead, the Broncos chief stayed patient and was able to select the draft’s top pass rusher. Bradley Chubb was an absolute steal at where Denver was able to select him.

Aside from his obvious ability to rush the passer, Chubb rates highly due to his positional versatility. He can play either defensive end spot during first and second down. On third down passing situations he can also slide inside and rush the passer from the defensive tackle spot.

This pick gets even higher marks because of the lack of impact pass rushers in this Draft. There are some other developmental prospects (Marcus Davenport, for one) but it’s a pretty sparse group. The Broncos get even higher marks for their selection of Chubb because of the massive talent gap between he and the other defensive end prospects in his draft class.

Next: Denver Broncos Draft: Instant Analysis for Chubb selection

Denver may have passed on a franchise quarterback in this Draft, but they won’t worry about that. The ability to draft a potential Pro Bowl defensive end is great value for Elway and company.