2018 NFL Draft: Bradley Chubb means Denver Broncos banking on defense again
By Matt Conner
The Denver Broncos have to be thrilled with their ability to add arguably the best defender in the entire NFL Draft at No. 5 overall.
Bradley Chubb, on most teams, would be welcomed as a much-needed pass rusher, brought in to help anchor a team’s efforts to eoret after the opposing quarterback.
What many mock drafters did not expect is that Chubb is instead joining a team that already has one of the NFL’s best, as he joins the Von Miller and the Denver Broncos as the team’s No. 5 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Chubb, a beast of a defensive lineman out of N.C. State at 6’4, 270 lbs., gives the Broncos a player with double digit sacks over the last two seasons. Chubb provides not only consistent performance in the pass rush but a well-rounded player who can seal the edge against the run as well. He’s also very athletic and ran a 4.65 second 40-yard dash at the Combine.
The Broncos already have an elite pass rusher in Von Miller and another nice young option in Shane Ray as edge rushers, but Ray’s contract is nearing its end (through 2019 now that the Broncos decided to exercise the option). He’s also not been as productive as hoped in the stat column, with a single sack to show for his efforts last year after missing half the season due to injury (a torn wrist ligament).
Chubb solidifies the Broncos pass rush efforts from both sides of the line in much the same way that Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram anchor the Los Angeles Chargers pass rush. Other AFC West teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders have excellent rushers in Justin Houston and Khalil Mack, respectively, but they also lack a consistent option on the other side. The Chiefs certainly hope Tanoh Kpassagnon and Dee Ford provide that missing element, but it’s all a question mark at this point.
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For now, the Broncos just got a lot better on the defensive side, and seem intent on resurrecting that vaunted defense around the pieces that once anchored their Super Bowl. Whether or not it’s a winning strategy remains to be seen, but credit John Elway for taking the value that fell into his lap at No. 5 overall.