With Ray sidelined, Chubb ‘ready’ for any role Broncos throw at him
Jun 15, 2018, 12:53 AM
The “whirlwind” that is the transition from college to the NFL has day-by-day become smoother for Denver Broncos 2018 top pick Bradley Chubb.
The No. 5-overall pick told “Stokley and Zach” on Thursday that he’s got to “keep working” and make sure he’s “bettering himself instead of just being complacent” that he’s here.
But, as the Broncos head into the summer break ahead of training camp, the injury bug threw the club — and by proximity Chubb — a curveball.
What was initially reported as soreness by head coach Vance Joseph turned into the need for pass rusher Shane Ray to have a fourth procedure this week on his left wrist, which could keep him out until early in the regular season.
And with Denver already opting not to pick up Ray’s fifth-year option after the end of the 2018 season, the longing gaze of Broncos Country to Chubb has seemingly intensified.
“I’ve always had high expectations for myself because I know, coming in as a high pick that I was, everybody’s going to be looking to me to make plays,” Chubb said Thursday. “I try not to put that pressure on myself, but at the end of the day, I’ve got to do what everybody expects me to do. And that’s produce.”
And produce, if need be, means doing whatever is needed for the team — including being ready to start in the place of an injured veteran, like Ray.
“Whether it’d be me coming off the bench or me start a game because we’ve got guys out, I’m ready to do either one,” Chubb said. “I’m ready to do it full speed.”
However, what that need might be has yet to be determined, head coach Vance Joseph said on Tuesday.
“We haven’t gameplanned yet. He was running with the ones and twos even when Shane was healthy, so his role shouldn’t change much,” Joseph said.
Joseph said Chubb is competing at the strong linebacker position, as well as a “sub rusher on third downs,” so his possible contributions wouldn’t likely deviate much.
“He’s a guy that we’re counting on to play, so we’ll see,” Joseph said.
