The Denver Broncos and the Bradley Chubb Era: A Retrospective Look and What Could Have Been
In the high-stakes world of the NFL Draft, selection decisions can change the fortunes of teams and careers. Such was the case in 2018 when the Denver Broncos, holding the No. 5 overall pick, chose Bradley Chubb, a standout defensive end. At that moment, the fate of both the Broncos and another potential pick, quarterback Josh Allen, pivoted in significant ways.
Chubb's arrival in Denver came with great expectations, and initially, he did not disappoint. Over the course of 49 games with the Broncos, Chubb recorded an impressive stat line: 144 tackles, 26 sacks, and an interception. These performances earned him a Pro Bowl selection, marking him as one of the league's promising defensive talents.
Yet, football, inevitably, is a game of comparisons, especially when it comes to draft picks. Just three spots after Chubb was selected, Josh Allen was picked by the Buffalo Bills with the No. 8 overall selection. Under Allen’s leadership, the Bills have clinched four consecutive AFC East titles since 2020, demonstrating his critical role in their revitalization. This turn of events hasn’t gone unnoticed, least of all by John Elway, then General Manager of the Broncos.
Elway has been candid about the choice he made on that day. Reflecting on the 2018 Draft, Elway admitted, "That was probably my biggest mistake of my GM days, was not taking Josh ... And I loved him, right? … he was my type." The "what could have been" scenario looms large, particularly given Allen's meteoric rise to stardom. Elway’s reflections reveal not just a professional misstep but also a personal one, underscoring the challenge of draft decisions that can alter the landscape of teams for years.
The story does not just contrast the fortunes of Allen and Chubb but also highlights the human side of these decisions. Elway humorously recounted a lighter moment with Allen, saying, "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 anecdote captures the intersection of respect and rivalry that characterizes NFL draft stories.
While the Broncos have seen flashes of brilliance from Chubb, his tenure with the team came to an end when he was traded to the Miami Dolphins. This move marks a new chapter in Chubb's career and a reflection of the constant evolution inherent in professional football. For the Broncos, it signifies a period of reflection and rebuilding as they continue to search for the consistency and success that have proved elusive in recent years.
The juxtaposition of Bradley Chubb's solid but injury-impacted tenure with the Broncos and Josh Allen's rapid ascent to elite quarterback status serves as a narrative rich in retrospect and lessons for front offices across the league. Every draft pick is a gamble, and the 2018 NFL Draft serves as a potent reminder of how pivotal these decisions can be. As Bradley Chubb seeks to reinvigorate his career in Miami, and Josh Allen continues his leadership with the Bills, the storylines set in motion by the draft will continue to unfold, shaping the future of these franchises.
Ultimately, the tale of Chubb and Allen underscores a fundamental truth in the NFL: the blend of talent, opportunity, and the decisions made from the executive suites to the field can define the destiny of teams and players alike. For the Broncos, the lessons from the 2018 NFL Draft remain a critical reference point as they look to chart their path forward.