Long considered to be a top-three pick, Bradley Chubb might be sliding down mock drafts after the Jets traded with the Colts to get to No. 3 in the upcoming NFL Draft. The move, which could signal a run on quarterbacks early in the draft, isn’t slowing down the N.C. State pass rusher, however.
According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, who spoke with Chubb’s agent, the top defensive end in the rookie class already has meetings scheduled with five teams between Sunday night and Monday before his pro day. All of those teams currently are slated to pick in the top seven spots in the draft.
Florio also spoke with longtime assistant coach Jim Washburn, who praised the defensive end as a potential perennial double-digit sack producer if he ends up in the right system. “If I was the team in need I would be very, very careful on passing on him,” Washburn said.
The flurry of moves could push down one of the top talents in the draft past the top five and to a team like the Buccaneers at pick No. 7. The move would be a steal for Tampa Bay, who is already locked in to Jameis Winston as the team’s franchise quarterback and ranked dead last in the NFL in sacks a year ago.
Regardless where he goes, Chubb is slated to be an impact performer from the moment he steps on the field.
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- Earlier in the week, the Steelers signed linebacker Jon Bostic to a two-year deal to potentially replace Ryan Shazier, who is recovering from a devastating injury in 2017. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, however, tweets the former Colts linebacker is merely just a seat warmer for whoever the team drafts in the first two rounds. One of those players who could be available is Boise State’s Leighton Vander Esch, who Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller projected to Pittsburgh in his latest mock draft. On Vander Esch, Miller writes: “Boise State’s Leighton Vander Esch is a 6’4″, 256-pound linebacker with good speed (4.65 in the 40) who possesses the ability to take on tailbacks in run support, the speed to pursue on the edge and the instincts to cover pass-catchers over the middle.”
- The Browns signed one of this year’s top free agent running backs in Carlos Hyde, but they have not ruled out selecting Penn State star Saquon Barkley.
Why do they think Chubb will fall to the Bucs at 7 with the Colts at 6 & every mock draft had them taking Chubb at 3. If he’s there at 6, he’s headed to Indy.
Only thing I can think of is that the Colts need offensive linemen so desperately that maybe they take Nelson there, or some think that Luck will never heal. Other than those complete guesses of mine, I agree with you.
Yes colts really should prioritize O-line over everything. Chubb fits their biggest need, but protecting Luck gotta top that
Vander Esch would be absolutely perfect for the Steelers if they can get him. If the Steelers do draft an ILB high in the draft, I wouldn’t be shocked if Bostic ends up competing with Vince Williams for a starting spot, and possibly beating Vince out.
As for the Browns, they should take the best player available… Saquon, a QB, whomever. Carlos Hyde will have about as much effect on them drafting Barkley as Tyrod Taylor will have on them drafting a QB with their first pick… next to no effect whatsoever.
Chubb to Denver to pair with von miller!
Denver wants Mayfield and browns can an extra pick from them with a threat of trading down at 4