Denver Broncos: Grading rookie performances after week one

The Denver Broncos have a stellar rookie class. How did they all look in the team’s first game of the 2018 season? We grade the performances.

The Denver Broncos have a star-studded rookie class, one that can help take them deep into the postseason.

The Broncos’ depth has been so greatly enhanced by these young players, and there was plenty to evaluate after the first week of the season.

How did the rookie class look through the team’s first game? Let’s review and grade every performance, starting with the team’s first-round pick.

Bradley Chubb, DE/OLB

The Broncos made sure to get the most out of their investment in Chubb, putting him on the field for 54 of their 57 defensive snaps. There were only three players (Justin Simmons, Chris Harris Jr., and Darian Stewart) who played all 57 snaps in this game.

Chubb is an every-down player and the Broncos put him to work in his first regular season game.

He came through immediately.

Chubb got a great push on the first play of the game for the Denver defense, combining with Darian Stewart for a sack on Russell Wilson.

Chubb was credited with seven total pressures in this game and a pair of nice plays in the running game, totaling three tackles and one sack.

What about areas to improve for the first-round pick? I’m not so sure it’s an area to improve, but something for the Broncos to just take off the table altogether. Chubb was the victim of Will Dissly’s big 66-yard reception in the first half and under no circumstances should he be in coverage that deep downfield.

Chubb can do some basic things in coverage but let’s not forget that he’s been playing primarily with his hand in the dirt. There’s no need for him to be running that far downfield in coverage right now as a rookie.

Final week one grade: B+