In the 2018 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos held the No. 5 overall pick, a coveted position that brought great scrutiny and anticipation. With this pick, they chose Bradley Chubb, an outside linebacker from North Carolina State, hoping he would be a cornerstone for their defense. Chubb delivered commendable performances during his years with the Broncos, playing in 49 games, recording 144 tackles, 26 sacks, and one interception. His efforts earned him Pro Bowl recognition, showcasing his significant impact on the field.
Bradley Chubb's tenure with the Broncos, however, ended when he was traded to the Miami Dolphins. This decision marked a pivotal turn for both Chubb and the Denver franchise, raising questions about what could have been if different choices had been made on that fateful draft day.
The Road Not Taken: Josh Allen
The 2018 NFL Draft was also notable for another rising star, Josh Allen. Selected by the Buffalo Bills with the No. 8 overall pick, Allen quickly became a transformative player for the franchise. Under his leadership, the Bills clinched four consecutive AFC East titles from 2020 onward. His dynamic playmaking abilities and leadership on the field rejuvenated Buffalo's football hopes, making him one of the standout quarterbacks in the league.
Reflecting on the draft years later, former Broncos General Manager John Elway opened up about a significant moment of regret. "That was probably my biggest mistake of my GM days, was not taking Josh," he admitted. "And I loved him, right? … he was my type." Elway's quote underscores a poignant 'what if' scenario that continues to resonate with Broncos fans and the broader NFL community.
A Golfer's Reflection
The impact of this decision was not lost on Elway, even in casual settings. "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 recounted with a tinge of humor. This admission serves as a candid reflection on the unpredictable nature of drafting in the NFL, where every choice can lead to unforeseen outcomes and career-defining moments.
While Bradley Chubb contributed significantly to the Broncos' defense, the question of how differently things might have unfolded with Josh Allen at the helm lingers. The Bills' rapid ascent in the NFL hierarchy under Allen’s guidance contrasts sharply with the Broncos’ more turbulent path, highlighting the profound implications of draft day decisions.
Legacy of the Draft
The 2018 NFL Draft serves as a powerful reminder of the high stakes involved in selecting top talent. It is a mosaic of triumphs and regrets, where the fortunes of teams can shift dramatically based on the choices made by their front offices. For Denver, Chubb represented a solid, if not franchise-altering, investment. For Buffalo, Allen became a lynchpin in their resurgence, epitomizing the rare confluence of talent meeting opportunity.
As NFL teams continue to seek the next big star in future drafts, the lessons from 2018 underscore the importance of thorough scouting and a bit of fortune. Whether a future Hall of Famer has been secured or an opportunity missed can often hinge on the delicate interplay of strategy and serendipity.
In the end, John Elway's candid reflections offer a glimpse into the tough decisions faced by NFL executives. They also serve as a narrative thread through the careers of Bradley Chubb and Josh Allen, whose paths, forever linked by the 2018 Draft, continue to unfold in the evolving story of the NFL.