Elway, Broncos couldn’t pass on Chubb after pass rusher falls to No. 5
Apr 27, 2018, 9:00 AM
In what’s likely an endless amount of mocks heading into the 2018 NFL Draft, the guy the Denver Broncos drafted fell to them at No. 5 in “zero” of them.
After months of preparation, interviews, and evaluation, general manager John Elway and the Broncos brass simply could not pass up on what they called the best defensive player in the draft, Bradley Chubb, whom they did not expect to be available at No. 5.
“We didn’t think he was going to be there,” Elway said of the North Carolina State prospect. “We started hearing some rumors today that he might be there today. We kind of just waited to see what was going to happen. When he did make it to us, we were thrilled.”
Speculation ahead of the draft, and during its early stages, was strongest surrounding the possibility of Denver trading out of the No. 5 spot, which Elway confirmed would “most likely” have happened.
But when the Cleveland Browns opted to draft cornerback Denzel Ward, a surprising move to some, the Broncos chose to stand pat.
“We just felt with Bradley falling to us, we couldn’t pass him. We felt like if we had him, we had to take him,” Elway said.
Chubb selection, which Von Miller voiced full-throated support for via Instagram, add another piece to what’s now expected to be among the strongest pass-rushing arsenals in the NFL.
“Having good players is a good thing, so we’re excited about having Chubb, plus Shane (Ray), Shaq (Barrett), and all those guys,” head coach Vance Joseph said of Chubb’s fit into the Broncos defense. “Having good players is good.”
Added Elway: “It’s good when you say, ‘You have all those rushers.’ I like to hear that.”
In a phone interview with the Denver media Thursday night, Chubb said he’s ready to come in and join Miller and company and contribute immediately to the Broncos pass rush.
“I’m excited to get to work with guys like Von and Shane. We have to make sure that we have the most dangerous pass rush in the NFL,” Chubb said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity and I can’t wait.”
Chubb will meet the Denver media for the first time in person on Thursday at Broncos headquarters.
Tune in to 104.3 The Fan’s continuing draft coverage from UCHealth Training Center and AT&T Stadium in Dallas, as well as follow along with the latest info with our Draft HQ.
