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2018 NFL Draft: Bradley Chubb patterning game after Von Miller, Khalil Mack

By Maxwell Ogden

CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 25: Bradley Chubb #9 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack leaves the field with a piece of the Kenan Stadium hedges between his teeth following a win against the North Carolina Tar Heels on November 25, 2016 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 28-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 25: Bradley Chubb #9 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack leaves the field with a piece of the Kenan Stadium hedges between his teeth following a win against the North Carolina Tar Heels on November 25, 2016 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 28-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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As 2018 NFL Draft prospect Bradley Chubb prepares to transition to the professional level, he’s patterning his game after two All-Pro players.

The early selections of the 2018 NFL Draft are shaping up to be some of the most reliable in recent memory. The superstar potential is debatable, but prospects such as Saquon Barkley, Bradley Chubb, and Quenton Nelson are being viewed as can’t-miss players .

With Chubb separating himself from the pack as the top defensive prospect on the board, the NFL world is beginning to understand the type of standard he’s set for himself.

Chubb was one of the most productive players in the country during his career with the North Carolina State Wolfpack. The hope in draft circles is that he can translate that success to the NFL—due in large part to the lofty expectations he’s set for himself.

According to Nick Shook of NFL.com, Chubb patterns his game after two All-Pro players: Khalil Mack of the Oakland Raiders and Von Miller of the Denver Broncos.

"“I try to take Khalil Mack and Von Miller and put them into one person,” the N.C. State star defensive end said. “Khalil Mack’s the more powerful guy, probably the best long arm in the game right now. Von Miller’s the speed, finesse guy. Just try to put both of those together, have some power moves, have some speed moves that I go to.”"

Those are lofty goals, but if Chubb can even come close to combining what Mack and Miller do well, he’ll be a star.

Chubb entered the Scouting Combine as the subject of praise for his fundamental polish and incessant motor. He faced questions about his athletic ability, but he quickly put that to rest by running the third-fastest 40-yard dash of any defensive lineman in this class at 4.65.

With a rare combination of speed, fundamental prowess, and motor, Chubb has the tools to become one of the best linemen in the NFL.

Mack and Miller are potentially unrealistic targets, but aiming that high is a sign of why Chubb is such an appealing prospect.

Mack and Miller have both been named to the All-Pro and Pro Bowl teams on multiple occasions. Miller is widely regarded as one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, while Mack has become one of the most versatile defensive players in league history.

Considering Chubb excels as both a pass rusher and a run defender, the potential exists for him to attempt to bridge the gap.

Must Read: Quenton Nelson explains his value

Comparing Bradley Chubb to Khalil Mack or Von Miller may be unfair, but 32 teams would love to see how good he can become after the 2018 NFL Draft.

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