INDIANAPOLIS — Bradley Chubb, the N.C. State pass rusher who's considered one of the best prospects here at the NFL Combine, didn't shy away from that belief during his news conference with reporters Saturday afternoon.
"I try to take Khalil Mack and Von Miller and put them into one person," Chubb said. "I feel like I do both of them pretty well. There's a lot of room for improvement, of course."
That, of course, is a heck of a statement that raised more than a few eyebrows during the session. Thus far, though, Chubb has walked the talk in Indianapolis as he makes his case to be a top-five pick in a few months. And while Chubb (6-foot-4, 270 pounds) shined Sunday morning in on-field workouts — he clocked a 4.66-second 40-yard dash and looked the part in defensive line drills — that well of confidence comes from knowing his body of work speaks for itself.
"I feel like I put it on tape for four years. Good film. I feel like I'm the best player. I'm not going to say one person's better than me," he said.
"There are a lot of great players. (Penn State running back) Saquon Barkley put up ridiculous numbers yesterday. (Wyoming quarterback) Josh Allen, (UCLA quarterback) Josh Rosen. All the quarterbacks you're hearing about, lot of great players. I just feel like I'm up there at the top."
Indeed, Chubb is among several top-shelf prospects the Browns could select with the first or fourth overall pick, potentially giving Cleveland's young defense another talented edge rusher alongside Myles Garrett, the No. 1 pick last year.
Much like Garrett, Chubb was productive in college, amassing 25 sacks and 55 tackles for loss in three seasons at N.C. State, and should only bolster his draft stock at the combine. "I just want to show my athleticism out here," he said. "That's the main goal … Just show how everything on tape is actually who I am."
In his top 50 prospects list, NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah ranked Chubb at No. 4, writing he "has ideal size, strength and instincts" and praised a "motor that never stops."
"Chubb has a natural feel as a pass rusher," Jeremiah continued, "and should be a double-digit sack artist very early in his career."
Though steadfast in his belief he's the draft's best player, Chubb made clear his ultimate goal is simply to be drafted. Where or when doesn't matter.
"It's a life-long dream of mine. For me to be standing at this podium, getting these pictures taken, seeing on Instagram the past five years of my life," he said with a wide smile. "I'm just like 'I want to be right there.' Just to be right here and just being even in consideration to getting drafted is a blessing. Whatever team takes me I'll just be happy."
