John Elway and Tom Telesco can kick up their feet, lean back and sport an ear-to-ear grin after day one of the NFL Draft. Fortuitous events netted the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers personnel men, respectively, two impact defenders at the No. 5 and No. 17 selections. In addition, the rival Oakland Raiders are going to have their hands full with the two newcomers. As a result, these selections could change the face of the AFC West.
Broncos: fifth overall, Bradley Chubb, Edge, North Carolina State
With the Cleveland Browns taking Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward at No. 4, Elway gives terrorizing pass rusher Von Miller an extremely sound tag team partner. The Legion of Doom will be lining up across from each other this coming season. Chubb accounted for 56 quarterback pressures this past season to go along with 26 career sacks. He is adept at wrecking opponents passing and rushing attack. It is downright scary.
His uncanny ability to go from pure power to blinding speed is going to leave opposing offensive line coaches and offensive coordinators sleepless. Both tall and powerful with the jets to boot, good luck blocking Chubb and Miller, AFC West. In essence, the Raiders now face two edge rushers in Denver.
Chargers: 17th overall, Derwin James, Safety, Florida State
The Seminoles safety dropped further than anticipated and the Bolts are given a lightning bolt in the secondary. An enforcer and cover man, James offers pass rushing chops reserved for fellow defensive linemen. On tape, he looked sounder than other edge/rush prospects, it was insane.
When tasked to cover, James deflected 13 passes while picking off two. The 6-foot-2 safety also put up freakish numbers at the combine (4.47 40-yard dash and 40-inch vertical) and has the tape to back up his punishing-style of play. In a division filled with aerial threats, James’ is the perfect prospect to add to a hungry defense
