NFL Draft Prospect of the Week: Bradley Chubb

In a weekend loaded with impressive performances, it was certainly difficult to pick who stood out the most. Given the nature of the performance and opponent; NC State defender, Bradley Chubb came out of the weekend with one of the more important individual efforts of the season.

The senior edge defender has had a long and productive career at NC State but had arguably the best game of his career against a ranked FSU squad on Saturday. Sure, FSU was starting a freshman quarterback but that does not make a two sack, four hit and two hurry performance any less impressive (Pro Football Focus). Chubb was relentless: Using his size, strength and undying motor to power through the Seminole offensive line to keep the quarterback skittish.

Chubb's effort played a massive effort in helping NC State beat FSU for the first time in five years and he will continue to help NC State win in what looks to be a very promising season. The 6'4", 275 pound defender had 10 sacks and 21.5 tackles for a loss last year. At this point in the season; he has 3.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for a loss and is on pace to break his highs from a year ago. While Chubb is not a great athlete, he is an incredibly physical player with consistent technique and a high motor who keeps coming in every corner. In a class that has yet to establish a lot of top tier pass rushing talent, Bradley Chubb may come out among the best prospects in the draft.

Other Performances of Note:

• Saquon Barkley, Running Back, Penn State: It is going to be hard to find a web this year where Barkley does not deserve to be in one of these articles. The star running back, and likely Heisman frontrunner, took over Penn State's game against Iowa. He rushed for over 200 yards and a touchdown and was a major factor in the passing game, going for 94 yards on 12 catches. That's right, Barkley posted over 300 yards of total offense in a close game to beat Iowa and he probably has a few more jaw dropping performances in store this year.
• Deatrick Nichols, Cornerback, USF: USF is on a winning streak, in part because of their explosive offense but also due to their opportunistic defense. The Bulls dismantled Temple last week and it would not have been possible without their 5'10", 190 pound defensive leader, Deatrick Nichols. Nichols not only had two interceptions but he also forced a fumble. Forcing three turnovers in a night is a damn strong effort and Nichols will continue to make plays and make a name for himself while USF keeps winning.
• Isaiah Oliver, Cornerback, Colorado: Isaiah Oliver's matchup with Dante Pettis was highlighted as a contest to watch and Oliver did not disappoint. Even though Washington ran by Colorado, Oliver still only allowed one catch to Pettis in his coverage. While Colorado did not get the win, this is a performance Oliver should be proud.
• Mark Walton, Running Back, Miami: Anytime a player runs for over 200 yards is impressive. However, Mark Walton doing it on only 11 carries is crazy! Walton averaged over 18 yards a carry and scored a touchdown in Miami's winning effort over Toledo. Walton is one of the more underrated names in a crowded running back year, but more performances like that and people will take notice.
• Christian Kirk, Wide Receiver, Texas A&M: In what would be one of the more exciting games of the weekend; Christian Kirk had a day to remember against Arkansas. Not only did he eclipse 100 yards receiving and score two touchdowns, including the go ahead score in overtime, but he also added in a 100 yard kick return touchdown. Kirk is no doubt electric with the ball in his hands and it will be exciting to see him build on what has already been an exciting year for him.