ARLINGTON, TEXAS – Twenty-two promising NFL Draft prospects frolicked with more than 100 middle school students at a clinic here on Wednesday morning near AT&T Stadium. Afterward in media sessions, six players distinctively won in these categories:
We asked the NFL Draft’s top pass rusher which prospects are most ready to start on Day 1
The quarterbacks are getting all the attention now, but Bradley Chubb has a different take on which rookies we’ll be talking about once the season starts.
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CONFIDENCE – Quarterback Josh Rosen.
He has bold answers for every question. He had a sharp answer about possibly playing in the glare of New York City: “It’s football at the highest level in America’s greatest city. A lot of people would like to call it this or that, but I think it would be fun and an honor. I’d fit.”
COOLNESS – Defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick.
He says everything slow and easy. With purpose. “I’m going to be ready to play for any team that gives me a jersey,” he said. When he was asked what is he looking most forward to in round one of the draft on Thursday night, he answered, “What do you think? Hearing my name called.”
PLAYFULLNESS – Linebacker Shaquem Griffin.
No one had more fun, more smiles. During an interview with a British TV reporter, the reporter told Griffin to not get nervous, he was going to ask him about …. before getting cut off by Griffin: “Nervous? Hey man, I’m not nervous. I’m one of the most swag guys you’re going to meet out here!”
SERIOUSNESS – Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.
Very serious. Intense eyes. Intense approach. “I’m getting ready,” Edmunds said. “I know that things are going to start happening real fast. This is my approach to keep my emotions down. Keep my emotions in check.”
PRESENCE – Quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Engaging. Consistent and patient with every reporter and every question. People say he is so thin and light. Standing next to him, he is every bit of 6’3 and appears a lot thicker than your typical “lightweight quarterback.”
Jackson offered: “Hey man, I’ve been working, I’m at 217 pounds right now. When I came to Louisville I was 205. When I played there for the most part, I was 211. I think I’m big enough to play NFL quarterback. None of us like to get hit, but I think I can take a shot or two.”
OPTIMISM – Defensive end Bradley Chubb.
Chubb is a sparkling mix of talent and maturity.
He epitomizes the upheaval of the draft process. Entering the 2017 college football season and throughout most of it, he was projected as the No. 1 overall draft choice. Since then, he has waffled in predictions to landing anywhere among the top five picks or even slightly lower.
“One week it was four, the next it was two, and what is it now?” Chubb asked. “Who knows. It just goes back and forth. I try not to pay attention to it. I’ve elected to let my mind be free.
“I get that it comes from the need of quarterbacks in the NFL, that so many teams are looking for franchise quarterbacks and that drives the top of the draft. There are a lot of good players here at this event and throughout the draft. I have a feeling there will be a place high in this draft for those guys who can walk through the door and start on opening day. I feel like I am one of them.”
Chubb just nailed it.
If you are not drafting a quarterback to groom, which players of the 22 invited here for the draft by the league can walk right in and step right into a starting role? That question is a huge one in coloring the draft order of this group.
And it was the question given to Chubb. Since Chubb has been at the forefront of draft predictions, he was eager to flip the script and select the top three walk-in-ready players among him on Wednesday.
3.) Fitzpatrick – Because Fitzpatrick can play cornerback as well as safety, his value increases, Chubb said. Fitzpatrick added: “I feel that way, from Day 1. But I have a lot of work to do. I have to have the right coaching. The right spot. But that is my goal.”
2.) Linebacker Roquan Smith – Chubb loves Smith’s motor, his effort, his sideline to sideline pursuit. Chubb thinks Smith will simply take and demand a starting NFL spot.
1.) Edmunds – Chubb places him first because of his size (6’5, 250) and the dynamic way he fluidly moves. Edmunds said: “I can help anyone. I can do whatever I am asked. If it’s special teams, I’ll be ready. If it’s start, I’ll be happy to.”
You can place Chubb above them all.
There is confusion where he will be swiped at the top of the draft.
There is none, however, in his ready-now ranking.
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