Elway’s Biggest Regret as Broncos GM: The Draft Decision That Haunts Denver
The 2018 NFL Draft will forever be a topic of discussion for Denver Broncos fans and analysts alike. The franchise, which had struggled to find a consistent quarterback following the retirement of Peyton Manning, faced a pivotal decision. They could either bolster their defense with a top-tier pass rusher or take a chance on a quarterback with a high ceiling but some question marks. They chose the former, selecting Bradley Chubb with the fifth overall pick, while the Buffalo Bills selected quarterback Josh Allen two picks later.
Hindsight is 20/20: The Case of Bradley Chubb
Bradley Chubb entered the NFL with high expectations. His rookie season did little to temper those, as he recorded 12 sacks and appeared poised to become a cornerstone of Denver’s defense. However, injuries soon became a recurring theme. Chubb missed significant time in the subsequent seasons, and his inability to stay on the field ultimately led the Broncos to trade him to the Miami Dolphins in 2022. Despite his potential and early success, Chubb never managed to secure a second contract with Denver.
Josh Allen: The One That Got Away
Meanwhile, Josh Allen’s career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. After a couple of seasons of development and growing pains, Allen exploded onto the scene, becoming one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. His combination of arm strength, mobility, and leadership has made him not only a franchise quarterback but also one of the highest-paid players in the league. Allen’s success has underscored what could have been for the Broncos, who have struggled to find stability at the quarterback position since Manning’s departure.
The Broncos NEVER-ENDING QB Carousel
In the years following the 2018 draft, the Broncos cycled through several quarterbacks, none of whom managed to secure the long-term starting job. From Case Keenum and Joe Flacco to Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater, each experiment ended in disappointment. This ongoing struggle only highlights the missed opportunity of passing on Allen, who has become a game-changing talent for the Bills. Since Peyton Manning led the team to victory in Super Bowl 50 and retired as a champion, the Broncos have started eleven different quarterbacks. This revolving door at the most crucial position underscores the franchise’s ongoing search for stability and success.
The Verdict: A Franchise’s Missed Opportunity
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It wasn’t immediately apparent that the Broncos had made a mistake. Allen took time to develop, and Chubb’s rookie season was promising. However, as the years passed and Allen’s star rose, the discrepancy became undeniable. The Broncos’ decision to pass on Allen is now viewed as one of the franchise’s biggest draft misses. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft and the long-term impact of these pivotal decisions.
To fans and players alike, the 2018 draft is a poignant “what if” scenario. Denver’s choice not only shaped the fortunes of their own team but also helped solidify the Buffalo Bills as one of the league’s powerhouses, thanks to their faith in Josh Allen.
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