Colts 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Bradley Chubb EDGE NC St.
The Colts are heading into the last month of the season, and are all but mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. The Colts scouting department has been scouting the 2018 draft class once the 2017 NFL draft ended, but not everyone is familiar with some of the big names in this year draft. As we get closer to draft day, we will take a look at some of the possible options for Chris Ballard and the Indianapolis Colts, starting with Wolfpack stud Bradley Chubb.
The Colts aren’t a great pass rushing team; that is nothing new. The defense has taken significant strides this year with the additions of John Simon and Jabaal Sheard, but still, lack a true alpha dog pass rusher since Robert Mathis’ injury in 2014. Chubb can solve that problem. The 6’-4” 275-pound defensive end from NC St. has the versatility and size to play in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme, and has the motor that Chris Ballard covets. Chubb uses his good first step to surprise offensive lineman, allowing him to gain leverage on the blockers which is where Chubb can shine. You always hear about skill positions players with great hands, but hand speed and skills are just as important in the trenches, and Chubb is excellent at it.
In three full seasons and a bowl game to go, the true senior has 25 sacks, one INT, 198 tackles (100 solo), six forced fumbles, four pass deflections, and an all-time ACC record 54.5 tackles for loss. In 2017 Chubb leads the ACC in sacks and tackles for loss, 23 and 10 respectively. Chubb was also seventh in sacks and sixth in tackles for loss in the NCAA in 2016 so he is far from a one year wonder. Favorite to win ACC defensive player of the year, Chubb is also a two-time All-ACC player, the third team in 2016 and first team in 2017 (conference-leading 168 points on defense).
Looking at the play below against Wake Forest. Chubb uses his reach to keep the left tackle from engaging with his hands, then rips across the face of the lineman to get to the quarterback as he throws.
Another example of his excellent hand usage here in this NC St. game against Boston College below. Chubb, rushing from the right side this time, shoulders off the chipping running back while still able to fight off the right tackle to cause the Robert Mathis staple double negative. This play is an example of how Chubb uses his strength and hand skill to win the battle with the offensive lineman.
Chubb isn’t just a handsy player; he can win with his bend as well. Looking at the play below against Heisman winner Lamar Jackson. Chubb once again gains advantage on the LT with his hands, but then finishes it off by getting almost hip low on the tackle to sneak around to get the sack. This talent is something that will help Chubb much at the NFL level because you don’t always win your matchup right away with just pure skill and need to get around the elite NFL tackles to finish off plays.
The First Team All-ACC player also can impact the game on special teams as well, getting his big paws up way over his 6’4” height to block the kick.
Chubb is also a stud against the run, allowing him to stay on the field for all three downs early on. He has the strength to shed off blocks but can benefit from using his leverage to push through the tackle or set the edge instead of going around. Better technique and strength training at the NFL should help that.
While you can have all the skills, you can’t win in the NFL without heart, and Chubb is the definition of a fierce competitor, even too much at times. Look at the play below where Chubb chases the quarterback over ten yards downfield to help cause a fumble. You love to see that play through the whistle attitude from a player, and Chubb shows that
On the other hand, he can get a little too into the game, comically stealing Clemson QB Kelly Bryant’s towel throughout their matchup just to get into his head, which is a bit immature but harmless. On the more serious side, he also spat on the midfield logo after beating Florida St., which you don’t want to see out of a possible franchise player. However, these aren’t anything too serious and is most likely just a college student acting his age.
With all the skills and talent Chubb has, there are some concerns about his athletic ability. Chubb is listed at 6’4” 275 pounds but doesn’t project to have the elite athletic traits that the NFL looks for, which could cast doubt on his ability to produce on an NFL level. Don’t be surprised to see him slim down from that 275 pounds listed weight when he arrives at the combine. The weight loss shouldn’t be too much of an issue for the Colts since he could get away being a bit lighter in a 3-4 OLB role than a 4-3 DE role.
All in all, Chubb boasts NFL ready skills that will let him compete and dominant tackles from the right and left the side of the defense. He could benefit from learning some other pass rushing moves, which if Robert Mathis is still around next year should be pretty easy. His teammates love him, and he even said in a post-game interview that he wants to be remembered for changing the culture, and realizes the importance of making sure his teammates know he loves them too. The Colts seriously need a culture change of their own, and a fierce competitor like Chubb should go a long way in changing that.
Article by: Maxx Hotton
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