In 2018, the Denver Broncos held a crucial decision in their hands with the No. 5 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Opting for an infusion of defensive talent, the Broncos selected Bradley Chubb, a promising edge rusher out of North Carolina State. This decision, wrapped in optimism at the time, would later come under heavy reflection by none other than John Elway himself.
The Selection of Bradley Chubb
Bradley Chubb's tenure with the Denver Broncos began with high expectations. Over his time with the team, Chubb demonstrated his prowess on the field, participating in 49 games. His impressive stats — 144 tackles, 26 sacks, and one interception — speak volumes about his impact as a defensive stalwart for the Broncos. In recognition of his exemplary performance, Chubb earned Pro Bowl honors, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable player.
However, every pivotal decision in sports can be a double-edged sword, and Chubb's selection is a prime example. In hindsight, Elway, the Broncos' general manager at the time, expressed his sentiments on the pick, considering it his "biggest mistake." His comments reflect the evolving perspective on the draft and its long-reaching repercussions.
The Rise of Josh Allen
Had the Broncos looked in another direction, they might have witnessed the rise of a game-changing quarterback under their banner. Josh Allen, a name that looms large in the NFL now, was selected by the Buffalo Bills with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Under Allen’s leadership, the Bills have clinched four consecutive AFC East titles since 2020, showcasing his transformative impact on the team.
Elway's admission on passing over Allen is candid and reflective. "That was probably my biggest mistake of my GM days, was not taking Josh," Elway confessed, adding, "And I loved him, right? … he was my type." These words underscore the complex nature of draft decisions and the intricate balance between immediate team needs and potential future stars.
Chubb to Miami
The story took another turn when Bradley Chubb was eventually traded to the Miami Dolphins. While Chubb had his share of notable accomplishments, including Pro Bowl recognition, the strategic move indicated a shift in the Broncos' direction. Players' journeys in the NFL are often marked by such transitions, reflecting the ever-evolving strategy and priorities of the teams involved.
Cross-Paths on the Golf Course
In an amusing anecdote that underscores the intertwined fates of Chubb, Allen, and Elway, the former GM shared an encounter on the golf course with Allen. "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 recalled. "And it took him two-and-a-half holes."
This lighthearted moment at the golf course mirrors the broader, more serious reflections within the high-stakes world of NFL drafts and team dynamics. Decisions that seem purely tactical can echo through years, altering the trajectories of teams and players alike.
The NFL landscape is a complex and shifting arena where every decision counts and reverberates through countless seasons and stories. The 2018 NFL Draft remains a pivotal chapter for both the Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills, and for the players whose names and careers are forever marked by those choices.