Josh Allen’s dream of Playing for the Denver Broncos: the Draft Decision could really make NFL’s huge changes
The 2018 NFL Draft was a defining moment for several franchises, especially those in desperate need of a franchise quarterback. Among them, the Denver Broncos had a golden opportunity to secure their future under center. With Peyton Manning’s retirement leaving a massive void, Denver had struggled to find stability at the position. As fate would have it, Josh Allen—one of the most highly touted quarterbacks in the draft—not only fit the Broncos’ needs but also wanted to play in Denver. However, a surprising decision by John Elway changed the course of history, allowing the Buffalo Bills to draft Allen instead.
Josh Allen Was the Perfect Fit for Denver
Heading into the 2018 NFL Draft, the Broncos held the No. 5 overall pick, and Josh Allen seemed like the ideal choice. The connection between Allen and Denver made perfect sense:
- Allen played college football at Wyoming, just a two-hour drive from Denver.
- The Broncos were in desperate need of a quarterback after years of instability.
- Allen possessed the strongest arm in the draft, ideal for Denver’s high-altitude conditions.
- The Broncos’ coaching staff worked with Allen at the Senior Bowl, giving them firsthand insight into his abilities.
- Allen personally wanted to be mentored by John Elway, a Hall of Fame quarterback.
With all signs pointing toward Denver selecting Josh Allen, he fully expected to become a Bronco. In fact, Elway reportedly assured Allen that if he was still available at No. 5, he would be their pick. But when the moment came, the Broncos stunned everyone with a different decision.
The Broncos’ Surprising Draft Choice at No. 5
When the Broncos were on the clock, Josh Allen was still available, making it the perfect opportunity to solidify their quarterback future. Instead, John Elway and the Broncos’ front office made a surprising move, selecting pass rusher Bradley Chubb instead.
Chubb, a dominant edge rusher from NC State, was highly regarded, but Denver’s glaring need for a franchise quarterback made the decision puzzling. Passing on Josh Allen allowed the Buffalo Bills to jump on the opportunity, selecting Allen just two picks later at No. 7 overall.
While Bradley Chubb had a solid tenure in Denver, the Broncos’ quarterback struggles continued. Over the next several years, Denver cycled through multiple quarterbacks, including Case Keenum, Joe Flacco, Drew Lock, and Russell Wilson, without finding a long-term solution. It wasn’t until 2024, when Denver drafted Bo Nix, that they may have finally addressed their QB dilemma.
The Birth of an NFL Rivalry: Allen vs. Mahomes
By passing on Josh Allen, the Denver Broncos unknowingly helped create one of the NFL’s greatest rivalries. Allen landed in Buffalo, where he developed into an elite quarterback, and since then, he has faced Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs multiple times in high-stakes matchups.
Had Allen been drafted by Denver, he and Mahomes would have been division rivals, facing each other twice a season in the AFC West. Instead, their rivalry has flourished in the AFC playoffs, where the Bills and Chiefs have consistently delivered some of the most thrilling games in recent history.
What Could Have Been for the Denver Broncos
The Broncos’ decision to pass on Josh Allen remains one of the biggest “what-if” moments in recent draft history. Instead of spending six years searching for a quarterback, Denver could have secured their franchise signal-caller in 2018. While Bo Nix offers new hope for the future, there’s no denying how different things could have been if Josh Allen had worn orange and blue instead of Buffalo’s red, white, and blue.
As the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs prepare to face off for the ninth time, it serves as a reminder of how one draft-day decision can shape the entire NFL. Josh Allen’s dream of being a Denver Bronco never came true, but in its place, a legendary quarterback rivalry was born.
