In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the NFL community, especially among Denver Broncos fans, former general manager John Elway has admitted to a major draft regret. Elway recently disclosed that he strongly favoured selecting quarterback Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL Draft, but the move never materialised due to a lack of consensus within the organisation.
The Fateful Decision in the 2018 Draft
Elway shared this behind-the-scenes story on the popular show Club Shay Shay, hosted by former Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe. He explained that while he personally was a big admirer of Josh Allen's potential, he could not secure the necessary buy-in from the team's coaching staff, which was led by head coach Vance Joseph at the time. "I really liked him," Elway confessed. "But I couldn't get the buy-in from the coaching staff. I couldn't get everyone on the same page."
Elway acknowledged that Allen, coming out of the University of Wyoming, was considered a project. The primary concern surrounding him was his passing accuracy. "He was very raw. Accuracy was the big question," Elway noted. However, he was captivated by Allen's physical tools and mindset, adding, "But he was big, strong, athletic, and competitive."
The Road Not Taken: A Franchise-Altering Miss
Holding the fifth overall pick in the 2018 draft, the Denver Broncos ultimately decided to select defensive end Bradley Chubb. Josh Allen was taken just two picks later, at number seven, by the Buffalo Bills. Chubb spent four seasons with Denver before being traded to the Miami Dolphins.
In hindsight, Elway expressed deep regret for not trusting his instinct and overriding the staff's opinion. "I wish I had just taken him and said, 'Now it’s up to you to make him great,'" he stated remorsefully. This admission is particularly painful for the Broncos' faithful given the divergent paths of the two franchises since that draft day.
Contrasting Fortunes Post-2018
The consequences of that decision are now starkly evident. With Josh Allen as their cornerstone, the Buffalo Bills have:
- Reached the playoffs every single season.
- Made it to the AFC Championship Game on two occasions.
- Established themselves as perennial Super Bowl contenders.
In contrast, the Denver Broncos have managed only one playoff appearance in that same period. Elway stepped down from his role as general manager in 2021, later transitioning to a consultant. While the Broncos, under new head coach Sean Payton, have shown a strong resurgence this season with a 13–3 record and lead in the AFC West, the 'what-if' scenario surrounding Josh Allen continues to be a poignant topic of debate.
The story serves as a compelling reminder of how a single draft decision can alter the trajectory of an NFL franchise for years. As Josh Allen continues to shine for the Bills, Denver is left to reflect on one of the biggest missed opportunities in its recent history.
