Denver Broncos: Rookie report card through four weeks of 2018

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DENVER, CO – AUGUST 18: Linebacker Bradley Chubb #55 of the Denver Broncos hits quarterback Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears in the end zone for a first quarter safety during an NFL preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 18, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Bradley Chubb, DE/OLB

Key stats (all key stats via Pro Football Focus): 15 QB pressures, six run stops, two sacks

Through the first quarter of the 2018 season, no rookie edge defender has been on the field for more pass rush snaps than Bradley Chubb.

Chubb has proven what scouts said about him coming out of North Carolina State to be true, which is that he is as NFL-ready as it gets coming out of college.

Chubb’s NFL-readiness has translated to a team-leading 15 quarterback pressures in four games, and despite some struggles in coverage, he’s been an excellent all-around player.

Every week Chubb seems to get a couple of really impressive rushes where he explodes off the ball, but the Broncos need all of their pass rushers in general to get to the quarterback at a higher rate.

Even though Chubb has been arguably the most productive rookie in the NFL at rushing the passer (Kemoko Turay of Indianapolis and Genard Avery of Cleveland have strong cases as well), the Broncos have needed just a little bit more from him.

Still, it’s easy to see why he was such a highly touted prospect coming out. He’s got a bright future ahead.

Grade: B+

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