In the annals of NFL Draft history, the 2018 selection process stands as a pivotal moment for several franchises, particularly the Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills. The decisions made during this draft have shaped the destinies of these teams in ways that are still unfolding today.
Denver's Gamble: The Chubb Selection
In 2018, the Denver Broncos held the No. 5 overall pick in the NFL Draft. A position of such prominence was both an opportunity and a challenge. The Broncos used this opportunity to select Bradley Chubb, a highly touted defensive end from North Carolina State. Chubb's arrival was met with immense optimism in Denver, as the young player was expected to bolster the team’s defensive line substantially.
Bradley Chubb's tenure with the Broncos lived up to expectations, to a certain extent. Over the course of his time in Denver, Chubb played in 49 games, displaying his prowess as a formidable defensive force. His impressive statistics—144 tackles, 26 sacks, and even an interception—illustrate his contribution to the team's defensive efforts. His performances on the field earned him Pro Bowl recognition, an accolade that is a testament to his skill and determination.
However, even with these achievements, the narrative surrounding the Broncos’ 2018 draft decision is tinged with what-ifs and hindsight reflections. Chubb's career with Denver eventually saw a new chapter when he was traded to the Miami Dolphins. This trade marked the end of a significant period for both Chubb and the Broncos.
John Elway's Regret
John Elway, the Broncos' General Manager at the time, has been candid about the 2018 draft decisions. In a moment of reflection, Elway expressed his regret about not selecting Josh Allen, a quarterback from Wyoming, who was ultimately chosen by the Buffalo Bills with the No. 8 overall pick. "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.
Elway’s feeling of missed opportunity is underscored by 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," Elway recounted. This story highlights the lingering thoughts on what might have been had the Broncos chosen differently.
The Rise of Josh Allen
On the other side of the equation is Josh Allen, whose performance with the Buffalo Bills has been nothing short of transformative. Since joining the Bills, Allen has led the team to clinch four consecutive AFC East titles starting in 2020. His leadership and on-field performance have been pivotal in the Bills' resurgence as a formidable power in the NFL.
Allen's journey from a draft hopeful to a revered leader for the Bills underscores the impact of the 2018 draft decisions. The narrative of teams like Denver and Buffalo, shaped by their selections, is a testament to the high stakes and unpredictability of draft choices in the NFL. While Chubb demonstrated his defensive talents with the Broncos, Allen has proven to be an exceptional quarterback who has changed the trajectory of the Bills franchise.
A Legacy of Decision
The 2018 NFL Draft presented the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills with choices that would carry significant consequences. Denver's selection of Bradley Chubb brought them a talented defender, but also left them with a lingering "what if" regarding Josh Allen, whose subsequent success with the Bills has been conspicuous. Elway's introspective remarks provide a unique glimpse into the challenging decisions made by sport executives and the impact those decisions can have on a team's fortunes.
In the realm of professional football, each draft is a crossroads. The choices teams make ripple through seasons, shaping careers and the legacies of franchises. The 2018 draft remains a poignant example of this dynamic, demonstrating that in the NFL, the margin between glory and regret can often be only a few positions apart.