In the intricate world of NFL Draft strategy, decisions made in the heat of the moment resonate for years. Back in 2018, the Denver Broncos found themselves at a pivotal juncture with the No. 5 overall pick. Their eventual choice: Bradley Chubb, a pass-rushing prodigy from NC State. Chubb's tenure with the Broncos left an indelible mark, but it's impossible to ignore the ripple effects of their decision to pass on quarterback Josh Allen.
Denver's Pick: Bradley Chubb
With the fifth pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos selected Bradley Chubb. A defensive end with an impressive collegiate record, Chubb promised to fortify Denver's defensive line. Over his four-year stint with the Broncos, Chubb lived up to much of his billing, appearing in 49 games and recording 144 tackles and 26 sacks. His standout performances earned him Pro Bowl recognition, validating the Broncos' choice to a significant extent.
The Rise of Josh Allen
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills, with the No. 8 overall pick, chose Josh Allen from Wyoming. Under Allen's dynamic leadership, the Bills have clinched four consecutive AFC East titles since 2020. Allen's impact extends beyond mere statistics; he embodies the modern, versatile quarterback, capable of influencing games with both his arm and legs.
John Elway, the Broncos' general manager at the time, later reflected on the decision with candor, acknowledging a sense of 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 mentioned. This admission underscores the enduring nature of draft decisions and their long-term consequences on franchise fortunes.
A Change of Scenery for Chubb
Bradley Chubb's journey with the Broncos concluded with a trade to the Miami Dolphins. While Chubb's contributions cannot be understated, one cannot help but juxtapose his impactful yet relatively brief tenure with Allen's continued ascendancy in Buffalo. The trade marks a new chapter for Chubb, offering him a fresh start and the Dolphins a proven defensive asset.
Reflections on Choices
Evaluating the 2018 draft decisions from today's vantage point provides a rich tapestry of what-ifs. For John Elway, the decision's weight lingered even in casual settings. "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," he quipped. This anecdote encapsulates the perpetual deliberation coaches and GMs face: the haunting hypotheticals of what might have been.
Ultimately, while Chubb's career delivered substantial returns, the towering presence of Josh Allen with the Buffalo Bills remains a perennial reminder of the high stakes involved in draft decisions. In the ever-evolving narrative of the NFL, 2018 serves as a poignant case study on the profound and often unpredictable impact of draft day choices.