In the 2018 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos held the No. 5 overall pick, a position that carries both great promise and significant pressure. With this pick, the Broncos selected Bradley Chubb, an elite defensive talent from NC State. Chubb's selection, however, has often been looked at through the lens of what might have been, especially in light of another player's rise to stardom.
Bradley Chubb's Impact in Denver
During his tenure with the Denver Broncos, Bradley Chubb made a substantial impact. Playing in 49 games, Chubb recorded impressive statistics, including 144 tackles, 26 sacks, and one interception. His performance earned him Pro Bowl recognition, cementing his reputation as a formidable defensive player.
Fans and analysts alike appreciated Chubb's contributions on the field. His relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks and his knack for making game-changing plays were pivotal for the Broncos' defense. Despite these achievements, Chubb's journey with the team came to an end when he was traded to the Miami Dolphins, marking a new chapter in his career.
The Josh Allen What-If Scenario
While Bradley Chubb has certainly proven his worth, the decision to select him has been scrutinized in hindsight due to the performances of other players available in the 2018 draft. Notably, Josh Allen, who was selected by the Buffalo Bills with the No. 8 overall pick, has become one of the league's elite quarterbacks.
Under Josh Allen's leadership, the Buffalo Bills have clinched four consecutive AFC East titles since 2020. Allen's combination of arm strength, mobility, and leadership has transformed the Bills into perennial contenders, drawing comparisons to the league's top quarterbacks. This success inevitably leads to questions about what could have been had the Broncos selected Allen instead.
Reflections from John Elway
John Elway, the Broncos' General Manager during the 2018 draft, has openly reflected on this pivotal decision. In a moment of candid introspection, Elway remarked, "That was probably my biggest mistake of my GM days, was not taking Josh ... And I loved him, right? … he was my type." Elway's words underscore the profound impact of draft decisions and the pressure faced by those in his position.
Elway's reflections continued with a humorous 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 light-hearted moment highlights the human side of front-office decisions and the long-lasting impressions they leave on both the players and the decision-makers.
Moving Forward
The NFL, by its nature, is filled with stories of what-ifs and could-have-beens. The saga of Bradley Chubb and Josh Allen epitomizes the unpredictability and drama that make the league so captivating. While Chubb continues to build his career with the Miami Dolphins, Josh Allen's ascent with the Bills serves as a reminder of the ever-present challenge teams face in evaluating talent and making draft choices that shape their futures for years to come.
Ultimately, every draft decision ripples through the league, influencing not just the teams involved but the entire landscape of the NFL. As fans and analysts continue to debate these decisions, the stories of players like Bradley Chubb and Josh Allen will remain central to the narrative of one of the most memorable drafts in recent history.