Von Miller's reaction said it all.
Filming himself on Instagram from his room at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas, the Broncos' All-Pro linebacker unleashed a scream of joy at his team's selection of North Carolina State edge rusher Bradley Chubb was announced on television.
"We got Bradley Chubb!" Miller yelled as Chubb highlights rolled behind him. "He cold!"
With the No. 5 overall pick in Thursday's NFL Draft, the Broncos landed arguably the top defensive prospect available, a playmaker lauded for his size and athleticism, to team with Miller as a pass rushing duo.
"We have to make sure that we have the most dangerous pass rush in the NFL," Chubb told reporters via a conference call. "I'm looking forward to the opportunity and I can't wait."
Chubb certainly terrified opposing quarterbacks at the college level. The 6-foot-4, 270-pounder was the 2017 winner of the Bronco Nagurski award given to sport's best defensive player after leading Power 5 schools in both sacks (10) and tackles for loss (26). Draft experts praised Chubb's quick, powerful hands while battling offensive lineman as well as his ability to make plays both behind the line of scrimmage and downfield.
"We really wanted Bradley Chubb and are thrilled to make him a Denver Bronco," general manager John Elway tweeted Thursday night. "Bradley's the best defensive player in the draft. He can rush the passer, is a hard worker and will be a great fit, complementing Von, Shane (Ray) & Shaq (Barrett)!"
Chubb said at the NFL combine — the only time he met with the Broncos — that he hopes to play like a combination of Miller and former Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack, an evaluation Miller playfully echoed during a news conference at Dove Valley last week. Chubb added Thursday that his goal is to contribute to the Broncos right away, and that he believes he's versatile enough to play either on the line or at linebacker in Denver's 3-4 scheme.
"It was a surprise (to be taken by Denver)," Chubb said. "But I'm thrilled to be there."
Taking Chubb is the first step in the draft for the Broncos as they aim to keep restocking their roster following a disappointing 5-11 season. He is expected to boost a Broncos defense that last season ranked third in the NFL in total defense (290 yards allowed per game) but fell to 22nd in sacks (33) and tied for 30th in forced fumbles (eight).
Chubb was available at No. 5 after Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield (Cleveland Browns), Penn State running back Saquon Barkley (New York Giants), USC quarterback Sam Darnold (New York Jets) and Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward (Cleveland Browns) were picked before him. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thursday night that the Broncos and Buffalo Bills had temporarily agreed to a trade for that fifth pick, but Denver opted not to pass up Chubb. Buffalo instead traded with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the seventh pick, which they used to draft Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen.
This is the third time Elway has used a first-round draft pick on a pass-rusher during his tenure, taking Miller in 2011 and Ray in 2015. Denver has until May 3 to decide whether to pick up the fifth-year option on Ray's rookie contract.
Denver next has the eighth pick of Friday's second round and two picks in the third round. The Broncos could target a quarterback in those rounds, as well as other positions of need such as cornerback, running back, offensive lineman or wide receiver.
But Thursday's first-round selection of Chubb sent the Broncos' superstar into screams of joy.