Denver Broncos' former general manager John Elway has expressed regret for not selecting Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL Draft. Colin Cowherd explores Allen's remarkable development and examines whether the Broncos should rue their decision to pass on the star quarterback.
In the annals of NFL draft history, the Denver Broncos' decision to bypass Josh Allen in favor of Bradley Chubb in the 2018 NFL Draft remains a perplexing move. While Chubb has emerged as a solid pass rusher, Allen has blossomed into an elite quarterback, prompting former Broncos general manager John Elway to openly admit his regret.
Broncos' Draft Mistake: Should They Regret Passing on Josh Allen?
Allen's rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric. After a promising but inconsistent first two seasons in Buffalo, he erupted onto the scene in 2020, leading the Bills to their first playoff victory in two decades. His combination of physical tools, athleticism, and unwavering determination has made him one of the most feared quarterbacks in the league.
In contrast, Chubb has been a reliable presence for the Broncos but lacks the transformative impact that a franchise quarterback can provide. While he has recorded double-digit sacks in three of his five seasons, his production has been somewhat underwhelming considering his draft status.
Broncos' Draft Mistake: Should They Regret Passing on Josh Allen?
Elway's admission of regret has opened the floodgates of speculation regarding the Broncos' decision-making process in 2018. Critics argue that they were overly enamored with Chubb's physical attributes and failed to recognize Allen's potential for greatness.
Hindsight is always 20/20, and it's impossible to know for certain whether Allen would have been the same success story in Denver as he has been in Buffalo. However, given his remarkable development and the Broncos' struggles to find a consistent quarterback since Peyton Manning's retirement, it's understandable why some fans are questioning the logic behind the team's decision.
Broncos' Draft Mistake: Should They Regret Passing on Josh Allen?
The Broncos have cycled through several quarterbacks since Elway's departure, including Drew Lock, Teddy Bridgewater, and Russell Wilson. While Wilson has shown flashes of brilliance, he has also been plagued by injuries and inconsistency.
In the meantime, Allen has established himself as one of the most dominant quarterbacks in the league. He has led the Bills to three consecutive AFC East titles and is poised to make another deep playoff run this season.
Whether or not the Broncos should regret passing on Allen is a matter of opinion. Some may argue that they made the right choice based on the information available at the time. Others may believe that they missed out on a once-in-a-generation talent.
Ultimately, the true impact of the Broncos' decision to bypass Allen will only be fully understood in the years to come. However, it's clear that Allen has become a special player, and his absence on the Broncos' roster is undoubtedly a significant factor in their ongoing struggles to find sustained success.
