John Elway Reflects on the Mistake of Not Drafting Josh Allen in 2018

In a recent interview on Barstool Sports’ "Pardon My Take" podcast, former Denver Broncos general manager John Elway admitted that passing on quarterback Josh Allen during the 2018 NFL Draft was likely his most significant error in his tenure. Elway recounted a golf outing with Allen, where he pondered how long it would take the quarterback to realize he was chosen over defensive end Bradley Chubb. Elway expressed regret over not selecting Allen, who had shown promise despite a modest completion rate at Wyoming. Elway's decision to draft Chubb, who struggled with injuries and was later traded to the Miami Dolphins, came after he had signed quarterback Case Keenum. This choice was influenced by Elway's previous experience with another quarterback, Paxton Lynch, whom he selected in the first round of the 2016 draft. Lynch's failure to perform, starting only four games before being released, marked a low point in Elway's management of the Broncos. The repercussions of these draft decisions have been profound, contributing to a decline in the franchise's fortunes. Since their Super Bowl victory in 2015, the Broncos have not made the playoffs and have cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks, a trend that seems set to continue this season with a competitive battle among Jarrett Stidham, rookie Bo Nix, and Zach Wilson. Elway, a Hall of Fame quarterback himself, returned to the Broncos in 2011 as director of player personnel, but his recent reflections highlight the challenges the organization has faced in finding a stable quarterback since Peyton Manning's retirement.