Three draft targets who can replace former Broncos star Bradley Chubb
At the trade deadline, Denver dealt outside linebacker Bradley Chubb to the Dolphins and hasn't filled the void left by the former Pro Bowler.
The Broncos (3-9) have lost four straight and no player on the roster has more than the 5.5 sacks Chubb had, through eight games, in Denver.
In the Chubb trade, Denver landed a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, currently the 25th pick per Tankathon.
In that range, the Broncos might consider these players as Chubb replacements.
Isaiah Foskey, OLB, Notre Dame
Despite a head coaching transition from Brian Kelly to Marcus Freeman, Foskey wrecked opponents. Through 12 games, he recorded 11 sacks, tied for fourth most in the nation, matching his 2021 total.
He stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs 265 pounds, which is a similar frame to Chubb, who stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 275 pounds.
The combination of production and physical tools likely tantalizes the Broncos. Tankathon's Mock Draft predicts they will select him with their first-round pick.
Jared Verse, DE, Florida State
Verse came out of nowhere this season. After transferring from Albany, an FCS school, he proved he could play at the FBS level. He recorded 7.5 sacks in 12 games, tied for 30th nationally.
That quick transition to a higher level and the upside Verse shows may tempt teams to take a risk on him even though he only played one year at the FBS level.
"He's a natural and smooth pass-rusher," writes Mel Kiper Jr., longtime ESPN draft guru.
Perhaps the Broncos could mold the smooth pass-rusher into a superstar.
Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE, Kansas State
Andukie-Uzomah blossomed this season, ranking 18th in sacks (8.5) nationally. He won the 2022 Big XII Defensive Player of The Year and helped the Wildcats win their first conference title in 10 years.
"(Andudike-Uzomah) has tremendous balance, which shows in several ways, most frequently in how he can close to quarterbacks," wrote Pro Football Focus.
A defensive end's balance is a key trait at the next level because it helps them hold their ground against strong offensive tackles.
Anudike-Uzomah's attributes are why the Broncos should consider drafting him.
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