Dave Syvertsen, Ourlads' Senior Draft Analyst
Since 2013, the first edge rusher in each respective draft class has been taken in the top 5 overall. Whether a team runs a 3-4, 4-3, or hybrid front, the demand for a player that can alter the opposition’s offensive game plan via their edge rush is always the starting point. Without any presence there, an otherwise quality defense can all of the sudden seem easy to beat. As NFL offenses deeply rely on timing and spacing in the pocket, a true edge rush presence is considered vital. In the upcoming 2018 NFL Draft, there seems to be a lot of unknowns among the underclassmen defensive end and rush linebacker spots, but a senior has taken off and appears headed for his own top 5 overall selection.
The national leader in tackles for loss at the end of the 2016 regular season was from the ACC. Not from Clemson, not from Florida State. Bradley Chubb of NC State finished with 22. The two time team captain was always a plus defender against the run, displaying the necessary lower body strength to anchor his position, heavy hands to control blockers, and quick feet to clog intended running lanes. As he gained 25 pounds between his sophomore and junior seasons, many didn’t see the pass rush capability improvements coming. The intense, aggressive defender plays with outstanding leverage out of his stance while maintaining all of foot speed and man-strength. Chubb is all over the field week in, week out. His rush moves are still developing and considering his consistent approach to working on his craft, one has to believe they are going to be a strength sooner rather than later.
Chubb’s edge rushing ability and presence against the run are a fit for any scheme looking to fill one of the most essential parts of the defensive depth chart.