The Buccaneers have shown this year that they still have loads of potential among almost every defensive position, but when given a chance come draft day to take a legitimate game changer you have to take the chance.
Bradley Chubb from N.C. State could be the next big deal on the defensive line and could help the Buccaneers harass the quarterback for the next decade. Finally fill the void left by Hall of Fame semifinalist, Simeon Rice.
The 6’4″ 275 lb Chubb is built like the prototypical pass-rushing defensive who can dominate at the point of attack with speed to chase down the more mobile quarterbacks in the league.
The Hillgrove High School product is looking to follow in the footsteps of other notable young NFL players like Kenyan Drake and Evan Engram.
In his three years as a starter at N.C. State, Chubb has racked up 192 tackles, 53.5 tackles for loss, 25 sacks, and six forced fumbles.
To put it in perspective, Joey Bosa played a single game more than Chubb and had 44 fewer tackles, 2.5 fewer tackles for loss, one more sack, and one less forced fumble.
All this, and Chubb still has at least one more collegiate game to play and could pad those stats even further. When you think of the impact Bosa has had on the Chargers defense, and imagine Chubb with All-Pro Gerald McCoy playing in front of linebackers like Lavonte David it should put fear into opposing offensive units.
Must Read: Bucs vs Falcons Game Changers
2017 Statistics
35 solo tackles / 31 assisted tackles / 22 tackles for loss / 10 sacks / 1 forced fumble
Games Watched
N.C. State @ #12 FSU (7 tackles, 2 sacks)
N.C. State @ #9 Notre Dame (8 tackles, 1 sack)
N.C. State vs. #4 Clemson (8 tackles)
N.C. State @ Boston College (8 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble)
Strengths
-Quick off the ball
-Can hold the edge on rushing plays
-Has a motor that doesn’t stop
-Plays better against stronger opponents and strives for competition.
-Toughness
Weaknesses
-Immaturity ( FSU spitting incident)
-Needs to add more pass rush moves
-Can overextend and leave gap going for big play
Scheme Fit
More from The Pewter Plank
- Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
- ESPN predicts surprising outcome to Devin White trade saga
- Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
- Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
- The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023
Chubb is the ideal fit as a defensive end in a 4-3 system as that is what the Wolfpack employ currently and what Chubb has thrived in. Chubb has also shown the ability to move inside in obvious pass rushing situations to put more pressure up the middle.
Injury History
– no major injuries
– Gruesome finger dislocation against Pittsburgh Missed only four plays.
Off-field issues
FSU spitting incident
Clemson towel thief
General immature nature tends to show
Career Projection
1st year
Chubb lives up to the potential and records double-digit sacks in his first season rejuvenating a Buccaneers defensive unit. Should start straight out of training camp and have an immediate impact. Could potentially be defensive rookie of the year.
3rd year
Chubb replaced Gerald McCoy as the face of the defensive front on the Buccaneers team. Potential to be a yearly Pro Bowl participant already in his young career and could be leading the league in sacks. Plays on all downs and has become one of the more dominant young pass rushers in the NFL. Has formed fantastic chemistry with McCoy, returning the Buccaneers to the dominance of the Warren Sapp and Simeon Rice days.
Summary
Chubb projects as an early first-rounder and possibly the first defensive player off the board in the 2018 NFL Draft. The Buccaneers currently would have the 14th pick in the draft if the season ended today.
He could certainly be gone by the time Tampa picks, but there is a lot of football left to be played in the 2017-18 season.
As a three year starter at N.C. State he has passed alumni and #1 overall pick Mario Williams as the team’s all-time sack leader. He also finished his junior and senior seasons recording double-digit sack totals.
Chubb will be an asset on the field and in practice. Coach Dave Doren is on record many times praising the work effort of his star student-athlete.
After watching tape on Chubb, he reminds me of Buccaneers great Lee Roy Selman.
He absolutely will not get outworked on the field for one. His legs are always churning and trying to get position on his man. Close in stature and size; Chubb could do the Hall of Famer proud by carrying on his legacy at the defensive end position and carrying it into the next decade.
Draft Grade: Top-10 Selection
Pro Comparison: San Diego Chargers Defensive End, Joey Bosa
"Check out the latest episode of the Walking the Plank Podcast! The Robert McClain Episode."