An Unexpected NFL Decision Continues to Haunt John Elway
In the 2018 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos held the No. 5 overall pick, a golden opportunity to add a game-changing talent to their roster. Denver’s choice? Bradley Chubb, the promising pass rusher out of North Carolina State. Chubb's tenure with the Broncos was statistically solid: he participated in 49 games, racking up 144 tackles, 26 sacks, and an interception. His performance earned him Pro Bowl recognition, making him an indispensable part of Denver's defensive line up until he was eventually traded to the Miami Dolphins.
Yet, as impactful as Chubb's contributions were, a shadow looms over the 2018 draft—a specter named Josh Allen. Selected by the Buffalo Bills with the No. 8 overall pick, Allen has transformed into a franchise quarterback and propelled the Bills to clinch four consecutive AFC East titles since 2020.
Looking back, John Elway, then the General Manager of the Denver Broncos, acknowledges the weight of his draft day decision. "That was probably my biggest mistake of my GM days, was not taking Josh," Elway admitted. He elaborated on his admiration for Allen, "And I loved him, right? … he was my type."
The paths of Chubb and Allen have created interesting intertwined narratives. Chubb did everything asked of him in Denver, earning accolades and putting up impressive stats. As significant as those contributions were, they fell short of the kind of franchise-altering impact that a top-tier quarterback like Allen can offer.
Given that quarterbacks often serve as the cornerstone of a team's success, Elway's reflections shed light on the critical importance of that pick in 2018. The Broncos' decision-making process, driven by immediate needs and evaluative criteria, overlooked Allen's potential to revolutionize their future.
In an anecdote revealing both regret and humor, Elway shared, "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 story underscores how the ramifications of draft decisions are felt not just on the field but in the myriad personal interactions that follow.
Meanwhile, in Buffalo, Josh Allen has exceeded expectations. His dynamic play and leadership qualities have made the Bills perennial contenders, a far cry from their previous years of mediocrity. The franchise made a calculated risk picking Allen, who was known for his raw talent but also his inconsistencies in college. That gamble has paid off in spades.
As for Chubb, his journey from being Denver's top pick to making waves in Miami highlights the unpredictable nature of NFL careers. Trades are a frequent reality, and even the most promising talent can find new homes as teams reconfigure their strategies and rosters.
The lessons from the 2018 draft continue to reverberate within the NFL community. Franchise-building through the draft is an intricate dance of assessing immediate needs versus potential future gains. The balance between selecting defensive stalwarts like Chubb and transformative quarterbacks like Allen remains a perennial debate among scouts and GMs.
Ultimately, what may resonate most from Elway's reflections is the human element—the personal stakes and emotional investments tied to these draft decisions. Every choice carries hope and risk, and every success or failure leaves a lasting imprint on the legacy of the individuals involved.