The 2018 NFL Draft will forever be remembered for the pivotal decisions that shaped the future of multiple franchises. One of the most intriguing storylines revolves around the Denver Broncos' selection of Bradley Chubb with the No. 5 overall pick and the subsequent choices that would come to define the careers of those involved.
The Choice of Bradley Chubb
In 2018, the Denver Broncos were bestowed with the valuable No. 5 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Opting for defensive power, they selected Bradley Chubb, a prodigious talent from North Carolina State. Chubb's potential as a game-changing pass rusher was evident, and he soon became a cornerstone of the Broncos' defense.
Chubb's tenure in Denver was marked by a combination of personal and team accomplishments. Over 49 games, he amassed a notable 144 tackles, 26 sacks, and an interception. His efforts did not go unnoticed, as he earned Pro Bowl recognition, affirming his status among the league's elite defenders.
The Josh Allen What-If
Meanwhile, just three picks later, the Buffalo Bills selected Josh Allen with the No. 8 overall pick. Allen's arrival in Buffalo signaled a new era for the franchise. Since taking the reins as the starting quarterback, Allen has led the Bills to four consecutive AFC East titles starting in 2020, reviving a team that had long been overshadowed in its own division.
Allen's rapid ascent to stardom has been a subject of much admiration and, for some, regret. John Elway, then General Manager of the Denver Broncos, has publicly reflected on the decision to pass on Allen. "That was probably my biggest mistake of my GM days, was not taking Josh," Elway admitted. "And I loved him, right? … he was my type."
Elway's connection to Allen adds a layer of personal reflection to the narrative. "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?" Elway continued. "And it took him two-and-a-half holes."
Post-Broncos Journey
Bradley Chubb's story did not end with his success in Denver. He was eventually traded to the Miami Dolphins, marking a new chapter in his career. Though the Broncos' decision to select Chubb over Allen remains a topic of discussion, Chubb's performance has proven his value as a premier defensive player in the league.
The intertwined fates of Chubb and Allen underscore the unpredictable and often retrospective nature of NFL Draft decisions. General managers and fans alike can only speculate what might have been, but one thing is clear: both the Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills have seen their histories shaped significantly by the choices made on that fateful day in 2018.
As for Elway, his candid reflections serve as a reminder of the weight such decisions carry. While he may view passing on Allen as his biggest mistake, the debate over the right pick may never truly be settled in the ever-shifting landscape of the NFL.
Ultimately, both Bradley Chubb and Josh Allen have succeeded in their own right, each carving a distinct legacy with their respective teams. The Broncos' enduring search for a franchise quarterback and the Bills' resurgence as a formidable force in the AFC would play out differently if Elway had chosen Allen. Nonetheless, both players' journeys will continue to be watched with great interest by fans and analysts alike.