In the high-stakes world of NFL drafts, decisions made in the heat of the moment can echo through the corridors of franchise headquarters for years to come. The Denver Broncos experienced this firsthand in 2018. With the No. 5 overall pick, the Broncos opted for Bradley Chubb, a promising defensive end from NC State. While Chubb's tenure in Denver was marked by notable achievements, it's impossible to ignore the alternative paths that could have been taken—particularly when considering the career of one Josh Allen.
The Decision and Its Consequences
Selected as the fifth overall pick, Bradley Chubb played in 49 games for the Denver Broncos. During his time with the team, Chubb amassed 144 tackles, 26 sacks, and even secured an interception. His performance was solid enough to earn him Pro Bowl recognition. Despite these accolades, his time in Denver concluded with a trade to the Miami Dolphins, leaving many to ponder the long-term impact of the selection.
Meanwhile, Josh Allen, who was chosen by the Buffalo Bills with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has ascended to the upper echelons of NFL quarterbacks. Under his leadership, the Bills have clinched four consecutive AFC East titles since 2020, a feat that has firmly cemented his status as one of the league's premier signal-callers.
Reflections from the Executive Suite
John Elway, then General Manager of the Denver Broncos, has since expressed his regrets about that fateful draft day. "That was probably my biggest mistake of my GM days, was not taking Josh ... And I loved him, right? … he was my type," Elway admitted, shedding light on the internal deliberations that took place within the Broncos' war room.
Despite his affinity for Allen, Elway ultimately decided on Chubb, a choice he has come to second-guess. "Last year I played golf with him, and I'm wondering, how long is it going to take him to realize that I passed on him and took Bradley Chubb instead? And it took him two-and-a-half holes," Elway quipped, offering a glimpse into the lingering what-ifs that haunt even the most seasoned executives.
A Tale of Two Careers
Bradley Chubb's journey with the Broncos, while commendable, underscores the volatile nature of the NFL, where trades and changing team dynamics are part of the landscape. His move to the Miami Dolphins opens a new chapter, but the shadow of what might have been lingers in Denver.
In contrast, Josh Allen's trajectory with the Buffalo Bills underscores the impact a franchise quarterback can have on the fortunes of a team. Allen's prowess has elevated the Bills, turning them into perennial contenders and validating the decision made by Buffalo's front office in 2018.
The 2018 NFL Draft stands as a poignant reminder that talent evaluation is as much an art as it is a science. For the Denver Broncos and John Elway, the decision to pass on Josh Allen will be remembered as a pivotal moment, one that continues to stir discussion and reflection.
In the end, the careers of Bradley Chubb and Josh Allen serve as a testament to the unpredictable, often unforgiving nature of the NFL draft process. While Chubb's accomplishments should not be overlooked, the ripple effects of that 2018 decision will be felt for years to come, providing endless fodder for debates among fans and analysts alike.