NFL Draft Grades 2018: Denver Broncos select Bradley Chubb at No. 5

The Denver Broncos didn’t feel the need to select a quarterback in the 2018 NFL Draft, so they went defense — but was it a smart move with who was left?

The Denver Broncos were thought to be in the running for a quarterback in the 2018 NFL Draft when the No. 5 pick came up, especially with UCLA’s Josh Rosen and Wyoming’s Josh Allen still on the board.

However, with North Carolina State edge rusher Bradley Chubb taking a bit of a slide, it appears that Broncos general manager John Elway went with the overwhelming consensus that saw Chubb as a top-three prospect on his draft board. With pass rushers like Shane Ray and Von Miller on the roster, the Broncos are now even more loaded with guys who can generate pressure off of the edge.

Chubb is 6-4, 269-pound edge rusher who is athletically gifted enough to stand up and strong enough to kick inside and play some snaps on the interior of the line. Head coach Vance Joseph will know exactly what to do with him.

One way he’ll undoubtedly be used will be inside on third down. With Ray and Miller rushing the outside, Chubb would provide the extra pressure inside as a three-technique, giving the Broncos a dangerous front akin to the one when they won the Super Bowl.

Next: NFL Draft 2018: Instant grades, reactions

The strategy to draft Bradley Chubb appears to be one that would allow the Broncos to get back to their roots where they relied on their defense to win the AFC West and eventually the Super Bowl. With Ray due for a new contract soon and Miller currently coming with a huge cap hit, it’s evident that  Elway is looking towards the future. Still, the pick does seem like a bit of a luxury considering the investment they have in Miller and the youth in Ray. 

Grade: B-