Denver Broncos' Draft Decision: A Look Back at 2018
In the 2018 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos found themselves in a pivotal position with the No. 5 overall pick. The team decided to strengthen its defensive front by selecting Bradley Chubb, a standout linebacker who quickly made a significant impact on the field.
Bradley Chubb's tenure with the Broncos was marked by impressive performances and solid playmaking skills. Across 49 games, Chubb recorded 144 tackles, 26 sacks, and an interception. His efforts earned him Pro Bowl recognition, further underscoring his value to the team. Despite this, Chubb's career in Denver ended when he was traded to the Miami Dolphins, marking a new chapter in his professional journey.
While Chubb proved to be a valuable asset, the Broncos' decision not to draft Josh Allen, who was chosen by the Buffalo Bills with the No. 8 overall pick, has been a topic of much reflection. Josh Allen has gone on to lead the Bills to unprecedented success, clinching four consecutive AFC East titles since 2020. His dynamic play and leadership have made him one of the most prominent quarterbacks in the league today.
Former Broncos General Manager John Elway has candidly admitted his regret over the decision. "That was probably my biggest mistake of my GM days, was not taking Josh," Elway said, reflecting on the draft choice that might have rewritten the Broncos' recent history. "And I loved him, right? … he was my type."
Elway's admissions are not just tinged with professional regret but also with personal anecdotes. "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 shared. This lighthearted yet poignant story exemplifies the weight of draft decisions and their long-lasting implications.
The decisions made on draft day are often scrutinized for years, as they can significantly influence the trajectory of a franchise. The Broncos' choice in 2018 remains a point of debate among fans and analysts alike, highlighting the inherent unpredictability and pressure of the NFL draft process.
While the "what-ifs" continue to linger, both Bradley Chubb and Josh Allen have carved out noteworthy paths in their own right. Chubb has shown resilience and skill on defense, while Allen has become a transformative figure for the Bills, leading them to success unseen since the early '90s.
The 2018 draft exemplifies the complexity of team-building in the NFL. It involves not just evaluating talent but also predicting future impact and fit within a team's strategy. The Broncos' choice, and Elway's subsequent reflection, adds a human element to these high-stakes decisions, reminding us that even seasoned professionals can grapple with the uncertainties and repercussions of the draft.
In the end, the narrative that unfolds from the Broncos' 2018 draft choice is a poignant one. It encapsulates the challenges of leadership and the enduring allure of "what might have been." The Broncos' commitment to Chubb and Allen's rising star in Buffalo serve as compelling chapters in the never-ending story of the NFL.