In 2018, the Denver Broncos held the No. 5 overall pick in the NFL Draft, a coveted position that led them to select defensive end Bradley Chubb from NC State. This decision, like all draft choices, was heavily scrutinized and compared against the successes and failures of other picks. One particularly stark comparison is with quarterback Josh Allen, who was taken by the Buffalo Bills with the No. 8 pick that same year.
Though Allen wasn't chosen by the Broncos, he has since demonstrated exceptional leadership and talent. Under his guidance, the Buffalo Bills have clinched four consecutive AFC East titles since 2020. His prowess on the field has not gone unnoticed, and his career trajectory has been a point of reflection for former Broncos General Manager John Elway.
A Decision Revisited
John Elway, a legendary quarterback himself, recently shared his thoughts on the 2018 draft decision. "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. This candid remark underscores the gravity of draft decisions and the unpredictable nature of player development.
Elway's remarks highlight a critical what-if scenario in Denver's recent history. Imagine the Broncos with a dual-threat quarterback like Allen, in an era when mobile, strong-armed quarterbacks are rewriting playbooks and redefining game strategies. The narrative contrasts the robust defensive help that Chubb provided while poking at the offensive powerhouse that might have been.
Bradley Chubb's Tenure in Denver
While the "what if" around Josh Allen is compelling, it's essential not to diminish Bradley Chubb's contributions to the Broncos. In his time with Denver, Chubb played in 49 games. He recorded 144 tackles, amassed 26 sacks, and even snagged an interception. These are impressive statistics for any defensive end and speak volumes about Chubb's impact on the Broncos' defense.
Chubb's performances on the field earned him Pro Bowl recognition, underscoring his quality as a key player. However, as with many professional athletes, changes eventually came. Bradley Chubb was traded to the Miami Dolphins, closing his chapter in Denver but opening another in Miami where his skills continue to be highly valued.
Reflecting on the Draft
Elway's reflections don’t just end with praise for Allen. They also reveal an interesting piece of personal insight. "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." This anecdote highlights the human side of executive decisions and how they linger in the minds of those who shape teams.
The Broader Implication
The Broncos' decision to draft Chubb over Allen serves as a significant case study in NFL draft history. It demonstrates the delicate balance between need and potential, the difficulty of projecting future success, and the weight of every choice. The decision also speaks to the inherent unpredictability in drafting NFL players. Even the most informed and experienced minds in football can't foresee every outcome.
For the Denver Broncos, the years of Chubb's service provided solidity in defense. Simultaneously, Josh Allen's rise with the Bills has been meteoric, showing the glaring what-could-have-been scenario for Denver. However, in the world of sports, every decision paves the way for new stories and fresh starts. As Bradley Chubb brings his talents to Miami, and Josh Allen continues to lead Buffalo to greater heights, the NFL remains a fascinating theater of possibilities, where past decisions ripple through seasons and decades.
The 2018 NFL Draft, through the prism of Chubb and Allen, will always be remembered in Denver for the potential paths it could have forged and the realities it indeed created.