Bradley Chubb - North Carolina State Wolfpack

Position: Edge/Defensive End
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 269
Year: Senior
Hometown: Marieta, GA
Experience: Sr. - 3 year starter

Measurables:

40yd dash: 4.65
Broad jump: 121”
Vertical: 36”
3-cone: 7.37
20yd. Shuttle: 4.41
Bench Press: 24 reps

Career Notes:

After being a standout high school defensive end in Georgia, Chubb spent his first year at NC State as a linebacker and core special teams contributor. However, in 2015 the Georgia native made the transition back to defensive end and started every game for the Wolfpack as a sophomore, finishing second on the team in tackles (69) and tackles for loss (12), while also recording 5.5 sacks and eight quarterback hurries.

Chubb really put himself on the map the following year with a really strong 2016 junior season. While earning second-team All-ACC and team Defensive MVP honors, he finished the year with 21.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and seven hurries--all team highs. Cousin of well-known Georgia running back, Nick Chubb, Bradley Chubb began to generate his own draft buzz near the end of his junior season.

The two-time team captain then went on to build off his strong junior season with an outstanding senior campaign. Not only did he earn first-team All-American and All-ACC honors, but he also received the Hendricks and Bronko Nagurski Awards, given out to the best defensive end and best defensive player in the country. Chubb’s 2017 production was nothing short of impressive. He led the FBS in tackles for loss with 25, while also tallying a team-high 10 sacks, nine hurries, and three forced fumbles.

Chubb’s dominant performance in 2017 solidified his standing as a top-5 NFL Draft talent. He is not only widely regarded as the top pass rusher in the 2018 draft class, but he’s also projected to be one of the first players off the draft board this April.

Injury Report:

Chubb only missed one game since taking over the starting role at defensive end his sophomore season. He sat out the 2017 Sun Bowl against Arizona State to prepare for the NFL Draft. Chubb hasn’t suffered any significant injuries over his collegiate career and enters the NFL with a good bill of health.

Career Stats

Analysis:

Athleticism: 4.0/5.0

Chubb is a very solid athlete, especially for a defensive end measuring in at 6-foot-4 and 269 pounds. At the NFL Combine among edge defenders his size, he finished in the 82nd percentile in the broad jump (121”), 82nd percentile in the vertical (36”), and 88th percentile in the 40-yard dash (4.65). However, his three-cone time (7.37) and 20-yard shuttle (4.41) were far below the position’s average, putting him in the 27th and 47th percentiles in these areas. These numbers also play out in his film. Chubb is a very explosive athlete with power and quick upfield burst. He fires out of his stance with impressive speed and quickly puts offensive linemen on their heels because he gets around the edge so fast. However, he doesn’t show great bend, especially for an athlete who is considered an elite prospect. His hips are also a bit stiff, and while he does demonstrate some ability to drop and move in space, this is certainly not the strength of his game.

Run Stop: 5.0/5.0   

Chubb is a dominant run defender. His strength really comes in play here. He holds a strong edge, demonstrating an excellent ability to get his hands in a lineman’s chest and then shocking him back on his heels. Chubb also wins with leverage and length. He keeps his pads low, shows good knee bend, and then extends his arms to disengage from blocks. Chubb also tracks the run very well, showing good awareness to key and diagnose the play before closing in on the ball. He will scrape down the line and make stops in pursuit, or he can quickly turn and run outside the tackle box if the play is redirected to his side of the field. His active motor also aids him in this area. Chubb will chase down ball carriers downfield or keep fighting through double teams to get a hand on the ball carrier. He’s a disruptive run defender.

Pass Rush: 4.5/5.0  

Chubb is almost a complete pass rusher. He has tremendous power and explosive burst. He can win with speed around the edge or bull rush and collapse the pocket by driving a lineman back on his heels. He also shows a strong punch off the line, which enables him to easily set up his second move. His active hands also allow him to combat the lineman and keep his opponent from getting his hands on him. In particular, his rip move is very effective. If Chubb can’t win with speed or power, he also has a nice inside step move that allows him to win if the blocker is overcompensating to his outside shoulder. He’s also versatile enough where he can rush as a wide-9, 6-technique, or line up as a 4i or inside shade and get interior pressure from a four-point stance. He can play from a two-point stance as an outside backer or generate pressure as a more traditional defensive end with his hand in the dirt. One area that hurts Chubb’s pass rushing grade is the lack of bend in his game. He doesn’t have the flexible hips many teams desire in an edge rusher. He doesn’t carve a tight corner when coming around the edge and his slow three-cone time reflects this. However, despite this concern, his combination of power, explosive quickness, strong hands, and relentless motor give him plenty of other avenues to win his one-on-ones and get after the quarterback.

Coverage: 3.0/5.0

Chubb was rarely asked to drop in coverage at NC State. The few times he dropped in space he looked like a natural athlete, but this would be an area of his game he’d really have to develop if drafted by a 3-4 team and asked to play outside linebacker.

Impact: 5.0/5.0

Chubb’s production with explosive plays alone shows just how much of an impact he can have on the field. As a three-year starter, he recorded 58.5 tackles for loss and 25.5 sacks. He was also involved in 10 turnovers and two blocked kicks. However, his impact also extends further than just making big plays. He also drew constant double teams and even forced opposing offenses to redirect many of their plays to the opposite side of the field.

Summary: Chubb is an elite talent who should make an immediate impact on a NFL defense. He’s a true blue-chip prospect with the potential to develop into a real game changer at the next level. He’s talented enough to be the focal point of a defense, and his versatility to line up in various spots on the line or at outside backer and still generate pressure make him a very valuable chess piece for defensive coordinators.

Overall Grade: 4.3/5.0  

If drafted by the Packers:

The Packers would likely have to trade up into the top-five to select Chubb, but if by some good fortune they drafted the former NC State standout, then they would be adding a true difference maker to their front seven. If Chubb played in Green Bay’s front, he would likely line up as a stronside edge rusher. He could rotate with Nick Perry at outside backer and get after the quarterback as a standup rusher or as a defensive end in a three-point stance. On passing downs he could also move inside and create interior pressure as Clay Matthews and Perry rush from the edge. If the Packers happened to land a talent like Chubb, they may even be tempted to utilize more 4-3 fronts and feature Chubb as a true defensive end.

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