In 2018, the Denver Broncos found themselves with the No. 5 overall pick in the NFL Draft, an opportunity laden with both promise and peril. With high hopes, the team elected to bolster their defense by selecting Bradley Chubb, a standout defensive end from North Carolina State. Chubb's arrival in Denver was met with considerable excitement as he was regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in his draft class.
Chubb's tenure with the Broncos did see its moments of brilliance. Over 49 games played for Denver, he accumulated 144 tackles, 26 sacks, and even recorded an interception. These solid numbers underscored why he earned Pro Bowl recognition during his career. Despite these highlights, the decision to draft Chubb instead of addressing other positions, particularly quarterback, has been a subject of ongoing debate within the organization and among fans.
Missed Opportunity
Josh Allen, who was selected by the Buffalo Bills with the No. 8 overall pick in the same draft, has undeniably become one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. Under his leadership, the Bills clinched four consecutive AFC East titles since 2020, a testament to Allen's impact and growth as a franchise quarterback. This success story casts a shadow on Denver's decision-making process during the 2018 draft. Former Broncos General Manager John Elway has publicly reflected on the choice with evident regret.
"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. The candid reflection underscores the weight of draft decisions and their long-term implications on a franchise's trajectory.
Reflections and Realizations
Elway’s sentiments about Allen run deeper than just professional regret; they are tinged with personal reflection. "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. This narrative illustrates the often personal and human side of sports decision-making, where choices made in a conference room reverberate through personal interactions years later.
New Beginnings for Chubb
For Bradley Chubb, his journey in the NFL has taken a new direction. After years in Denver, Chubb was eventually traded to the Miami Dolphins. This move signifies a new chapter in his career, offering fresh opportunities and challenges. The trade also reflects the Broncos' continued effort to reconfigure their roster and find the right balance for future seasons.
While the decision to draft Chubb over Allen will always be a talking point, it is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NFL draft. Teams make choices based on immediate needs, scouting reports, and sometimes pure instinct. The outcomes, however, can take years to fully materialize, for better or worse.
The Denver Broncos may have missed an opportunity in 2018, but the NFL is a league of perpetual second chances and relentless reinvention. For Chubb, Allen, and even the Broncos' organization, the story is far from over, continually evolving with every game, every season, and every new draft pick.