Editor’s Note: Above is an audio story, designed to give BSN Denver subscribers the option to listen to this story if they don’t have time to stop and read it in its entirety. We would love to know what you think about it in the comments. Enjoy!
DENVER — Want to see a Denver Broncos coach light up? Just ask them about Bradley Chubb.
Just one mention of Chubb, the former No. 5-overall pick, lights up the eyes of both head coach Vic Fangio and defensive coordinator Ed Donatell. Yes, even more than a mention of former Super Bowl MVP Von Miller.
“He’s tailor-made for us,” said Fangio, a man of few compliments. “He’s a very smart football player, very coachable, very intense. I see nothing but bright days ahead for him.”
“He’s just a heck of a talent and he works hard every day. You should see really great play from him,” echoed Donatell. “The edge players are very important in this 3-4 defense Vic and I have been running these for the last eight years. You need guys that can compress the edge and then you need somebody who can rush the passer. He can do both of those and he’s very forceful in doing that. We’re happy to have him. We think he can be very productive in that role.”
And that’s just what they’re saying publicly. According to BSN sources, the belief in what Chubb can be for this defense is even greater behind closed doors.
So what does the second-year player himself think of all this?
“I tried not to look too much into that because at the end of the day I still have to go out and perform,” Chubb told BSN Denver. “I feel like when he said that he’s talking about my versatility, how big I am, playing the outside linebacker position and I can move down to the defensive end position. I feel like it’s going to be fun if I just get things right and do what I can do out there on Sundays and in training camp.”
Are you sick of hearing about “versatility” yet? Hopefully not, because throughout the offseason, it’s become clear that versatility is one of, if not the most important thing Fangio and Co. look for in a defensive player. And maybe that’s why they’re so high on Chubb, who fits the profile of Khalil Mack a bit closer than Miller.
In addition to the usual pass-rushing duties of the two positions Chubb mentioned, the defensive staff will also lean on him to make some plays in coverage, another thing they feel comfortable with his ability to do.
Versatility.
In the end, no matter what they need from him, Chubb is on board.
“I mean, Coach Fangio has coached so many great outside linebackers in this league, I feel like he knows exactly what he’s doing,” he said. “He’s a great defensive mind in general, so whatever he has planned, we all trust it. We all know that he is going to put us in the best situation to make plays.”
“I feel like it could be huge,” he concluded.
The feeling is mutual.
