The Unlikely Rise of Josh Allen

When the 2018 NFL Draft rolled around, few could have predicted that Josh Allen would become one of the most dominant quarterbacks in the league. At the time, many teams, including the Denver Broncos, passed on him, citing concerns about his accuracy and consistency. However, as Allen has risen to stardom with the Buffalo Bills, those who overlooked him now find themselves questioning their decisions.

Allen’s college career at Wyoming was a mixed bag. He possessed the physical tools that every NFL team looks for—size, arm strength, and athleticism. Yet, he struggled with accuracy, often missing wide open receivers and failing to consistently make the right reads. While there were moments where he showcased his potential, these flashes weren’t enough to convince teams to take him with the fifth overall pick.

John Elway’s Regret and the Mystery of the “Buy-In”

John Elway, the Broncos’ general manager at the time, has since admitted that passing on Josh Allen is his biggest regret as an NFL executive. However, his recent comments about why he didn’t draft Allen have left many scratching their heads. According to Elway, the decision wasn’t based on Allen’s performance or potential but rather a lack of “buy-in” from the coaching staff.

This explanation raises several questions. For instance, why would the coaching staff not support a player with such physical gifts? It’s worth noting that Elway had previously made bold moves, like selecting Paxton Lynch in the 2016 draft despite the staff’s preference for Dak Prescott. He also signed Case Keenum before the 2018 draft, showing a willingness to invest in quarterbacks.

Another point of confusion is Elway’s absence from Josh Allen’s pro day in Laramie. Instead of making the short trip himself, he sent scouts and former coach Gary Kubiak. This decision seems out of character for a man known for his hands-on approach to scouting.

The Coaching Staff’s Role

Elway’s claim that the coaching staff didn’t support Allen might actually hold some truth. After the disappointing performance of Paxton Lynch, it’s possible that the staff was hesitant to take another high-risk quarterback. This hesitation could have influenced the decision to pass on Allen, even if he had the physical traits that teams crave.

If this is the case, it raises an important question: Would Allen have developed into the player he is today if he had been drafted by the Broncos? The Bills have clearly adapted their offensive scheme to fit Allen’s strengths, something that might not have happened in Denver.

The “What If” Scenario

The idea of Kyle Shanahan being the Broncos’ head coach and Josh Allen as the quarterback is one of the most intriguing “what if” scenarios in franchise history. Shanahan, known for his innovative offensive strategies, could have potentially molded Allen into a star. However, this scenario never came to fruition due to a complicated relationship between the Shanahan family and the ownership trust.

Instead, the Broncos ended up with Sean Payton as head coach and Bo Nix as their quarterback. While the team is currently just two wins away from hosting the AFC Championship Game, many fans still wonder what could have been.

The Broader Implications

The story of the Broncos passing on Josh Allen is more than just a tale of missed opportunities. It highlights the complex interplay between front office decisions, coaching staff opinions, and the unpredictable nature of the NFL draft. While Elway may have made a mistake, it’s clear that the path to success is rarely straightforward.

As the Broncos continue to build their roster and develop young talent, the lessons from the past serve as a reminder of the importance of both vision and execution. Whether it’s through the development of current players or the evaluation of future prospects, the team must remain vigilant in its pursuit of excellence.