2018 NFL Redraft: Lamar Jackson saves the Cleveland Browns
By Samuel Teets
14. New Orleans Saints: Bradley Chubb, EDGE (Marcus Davenport, EDGE)
The Washington Redskins passed on drafting Chubb because the franchise already employed a handful of qualified pass rushers. That means the North Carolina State product falls to New Orleans at 14th overall, and Sean Payton couldn’t be happier.
New Orleans attempted to address its defensive line in 2018, drafting UTSA’s Marcus Davenport in the first round. The Davenport selection caught analysts and fans by surprise, mostly because he was a developmental prospect, and some polished products remained on the board. Two years later, Davenport is still a work in progress, while Chubb is a force of nature.
Chubb, who the Denver Broncos originally drafted with the fifth overall pick, racked up 12 sacks, 60 tackles, and 21 quarterback hits as a rookie. He flourished alongside future Hall of Fame linebacker, Von Miller. Unfortunately, Chubb tore his ACL in Week 4 of the 2019 season and missed Denver’s final 12 games.
In New Orleans, Chubb would officially line up at defensive end instead of outside linebacker (which he plays in Denver), but the 6-4, 275-pound freak athlete possesses more than enough mass and refinement to make the transition. He’d also benefit from playing alongside Cameron Jordan, who made the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-2010 Team alongside Miller.
Broncos defensive coordinator Ed Donatell recently told NFL.com that Chubb is “full speed and ready to go.” The ACL shouldn’t hold him back in 2020.