In the 2018 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos held the prestigious No. 5 overall pick, a position that presented them with a host of promising options to bolster their roster. The Broncos opted for Bradley Chubb, a standout defensive player whose tenure with the team spanned four impactful years. This decision would later be a subject of reflection and personal regret for John Elway, the Broncos' General Manager at the time.
The No. 5 Pick: Bradley Chubb
Bradley Chubb made a significant mark during his time with the Denver Broncos. Over the course of 49 games, Chubb recorded an impressive 144 tackles, 26 sacks, and one interception. His performance earned him Pro Bowl recognition, cementing his reputation as a fierce and reliable defensive end. Despite these accomplishments, Chubb's journey with the Broncos came to an end when he was traded to the Miami Dolphins. His contributions, however, remain a significant chapter in Denver's recent history.
Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills, holding the No. 8 overall pick in the same draft, selected quarterback Josh Allen. Allen's impact was immediate and transformative for the Bills franchise. Under his leadership since 2020, the team has clinched four consecutive AFC East titles, a testament to his prowess and the strategic vision of the Bills' front office. Allen's selection has proven to be a critical success for Buffalo, signaling a new era of competitiveness and ambition for the team.
Elway's Regret
In a candid reflection on the draft decisions of 2018, John Elway expressed his regret over not selecting Josh Allen. "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. His comments underscore the difficulty and high stakes inherent in draft decisions, where the performance and potential of athletes must be weighed against the immediate and long-term needs of the team.
Elway's reflections are tinged with the inevitable "what-ifs" that come with such pivotal decisions. In a lighter moment, he shared a personal anecdote: "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 anecdote not only humanizes the decision-makers behind the scenes but also highlights the enduring legacy of draft choices and their ripple effects across the league.
Legacies of the 2018 Draft
The 2018 NFL Draft decisions of the Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills continue to resonate within both franchises. Chubb's departure to Miami marks the end of a significant chapter for Denver, while Allen's success in Buffalo underscores the critical nature of quarterback selections in building competitive teams. Both players have had profound impacts on their respective teams, shaping the narrative of the NFL through their performances on the field.
As the NFL continues to evolve, the decisions made during the draft loom large over the trajectory of teams. For Denver, the selection of Bradley Chubb provided immediate defensive fortification, while Buffalo's choice of Josh Allen propelled the team into a consistent playoff contender. In the end, these decisions reflect the unpredictable nature of the draft and the enduring challenge of building a successful team in the NFL.