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“Hurt Me and John Elway”: Broncos Coach Admits Regret Over Failing to Draft Christian McCaffrey Before 49ers Clash

Christian McCaffrey’s next matchup comes with some history attached. The San Francisco 49ers running back is preparing to face the Broncos after he was one of the most talked-about prospects heading into the 2017 NFL Draft. Broncos defensive coordinator Vance…

By Farheen Fathima · Essentially Sports

Published: Friday, 2 October 2026 at 1:43 AM

Key Things to Know

Vance Joseph revealed it hurt him and John Elway when Denver could not draft Christian McCaffrey in 2017.
The Carolina Panthers selected McCaffrey with the eighth overall pick, 12 spots ahead of the Broncos.
Denver held the No. 20 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and selected offensive tackle Garett Bolles.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph admitted it hurt him and former general manager John Elway when the team missed out on drafting Christian McCaffrey in 2017. Joseph, who served as Denver's head coach at the time, reflected on the missed opportunity ahead of the Broncos' upcoming matchup against McCaffrey and the San Francisco 49ers.

The Carolina Panthers selected McCaffrey eighth overall in 2017, well ahead of Denver's No. 20 pick, which was used on offensive tackle Garett Bolles. McCaffrey had welcomed the idea of playing for Denver due to his father Ed McCaffrey's history with the franchise, but the Broncos never had the chance to draft him.

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