Bucky Brooks’ early All-Rookie team includes three Denver Broncos draft picks
NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks predicts the NFL’s all-rookie team of 2018. It includes three members of the Denver Broncos draft class…
The Denver Broncos had arguably the best draft in April. To recap, they selected pass rusher Bradley Chubb with the fifth overall pick. Then, with the 40th overall pick, they chose wide receiver Courtland Sutton.
Next was running back Royce Freeman, cornerback Isaac Yiadom, linebacker Josey Jewell, receiver DaeSean Hamilton, tight end Troy Fumagalli, offensive lineman Sam Jones, linebacker Keishawn Bierria, and finally running back David Williams.
NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks revealed his prediction for the 2018 all-rookie team. The list includes thirteen first-round picks (of a possible 22).
One of those first-round picks was Broncos first-round pick Bradley Chubb. Chubb, who many view as the best player in the entire draft, unexpectedly fell to Denver at the fifth spot. Denver was shocked that Chubb fell to them. They considered a trade with the Buffalo Bills but declined the offer once they saw Chubb available.
Brooks said that Chubb will reach, and maybe exceed, ten sacks in his rookie year:
"“Chubb is a lock for 10-plus sacks playing opposite Von Miller. He is an explosive rusher who flashes violent hands and powerful combat skills turning the corner on the way to the quarterback.”Bucky Brooks, NFL.com"
10-plus sacks for a rookie? On a defense that already has a linebacker who has had less than 10 sacks just once in his seven-year career? Now that’s something Broncos fans would pay to see!
At one of the linebacker positions, Brooks chose another Denver Bronco. With pick 106 (fourth round), Denver took linebacker Josey Jewell. Jewell is a big hitter at linebacker who will aid in Denver’s quest to stop the run.
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In Brooks’ words, Jewell “sucks up running backs like a vacuum cleaner.”
Jewell fell to the fourth round of the draft due to his unfortunate lack of speed. If he had run a better 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, he would definitely have been drafted earlier. In 2016, Jewell recorded 124 tackles in thirteen games. The year before, he recorded 126.
Last but not least, Brooks chose Denver Broncos third-round running back Royce Freeman to pair up with the second overall pick, running back Saquon Barkley.
The Broncos cut starting running back CJ Anderson, creating a hole at the position. Investing such a high draft pick in Freeman shows that the team expects him to contribute immediately.
Brooks said of Freeman,
"“The ex-Oregon standout spits out 100-yard games like an ATM machine as the perfect companion to Case Keenum in the Broncos’ backfield.”"
The recognition the Broncos are given on this list is great to see. However, the Denver rookies will need to prove that they are worthy of being on such lists. I honestly believe the players will have no problem achieving these goals while helping improve a team that won just five games in 2017.