In the high-stakes world of the NFL Draft, every decision can shape the future of a franchise. The 2018 NFL Draft was no different, particularly for the Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills, two teams that made significant choices that year. The Broncos had the No. 5 overall pick and chose to select Bradley Chubb, a decision that would later be reflected upon with some mixed emotions.
The Broncos' Gamble
Bradley Chubb was a standout prospect coming out of North Carolina State, and the Denver Broncos saw immense potential in him. Their decision to draft Chubb at No. 5 had high hopes attached to it, and he did not disappoint in his tenure with the Broncos. Chubb played in 49 games for the team, recording 144 tackles, 26 sacks, and even snagging an interception. His performance earned him Pro Bowl recognition, affirming the Broncos’ belief in his talents.
Despite these accomplishments, Chubb’s journey with the Broncos ended when he was traded to the Miami Dolphins. Denver's choice, while yielding a productive player, missed the opportunity to draft another quarterback who would become a defining figure for another franchise.
Buffalo's Franchise Quarterback
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills selected Josh Allen with the No. 8 overall pick in the same draft. Allen’s selection became a turning point for the Bills. Under his leadership, Buffalo clinched four consecutive AFC East titles since 2020, marking a new era of success for the team. Allen's impact on the Bills was nothing short of transformative, solidifying Buffalo’s position as a competitive force in the NFL.
The One That Got Away
Reflecting on the 2018 NFL Draft, John Elway, the former General Manager for the Denver Broncos, admitted his regret in not picking Josh Allen. "That was probably my biggest mistake of my GM days, was not taking Josh ... And I loved him, right? … he was my type," Elway confessed. His admiration for Allen was clear, and the missed opportunity has lingered in the back of his mind.
Elway shared a memorable encounter with Allen, which highlighted this regret. "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."
What If?
While Bradley Chubb's contributions to the Broncos were significant, the ‘what if’ scenario of having Josh Allen as their quarterback is a compelling one. Allen’s rise to stardom with the Bills showcases what could have been for Denver. The landscape of the NFL is one where a single draft decision can reverberate for years, impacting not just the team's performance but its overall direction.
The 2018 NFL Draft serves as a potent reminder of the unpredictable nature of scouting and decision-making at the highest level. Bradley Chubb's journey, while successful, contrasts sharply with Josh Allen’s path to elite quarterback status. This dichotomy underscores the high-stakes environment that general managers and teams navigate each year.
Reflecting on the Past
For the Broncos, Chubb’s tenure may be remembered with a sense of pride and lingering questions about what might have been. Now with the Miami Dolphins, Chubb continues to build on his career, while Allen continues to lead the Bills to new heights, embodying the role that could have altered Denver’s trajectory.
In the end, the NFL Draft is a mix of strategy, instinct, and sometimes a gut feeling that can lead to triumph or reflection. For John Elway and the Denver Broncos, the 2018 draft will forever be marked as a significant chapter in their history, one that invites debate, speculation, and the timeless question of 'what could have been?'