Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise's success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. One name that has been at the helm of this arduous task for the Denver Broncos is John Elway. The former general manager's decisions have greatly influenced the team's trajectory, particularly those made during the NFL draft.
In the 2018 NFL draft, Elway made a pivotal decision that would later haunt him. With the fifth overall pick, he chose Bradley Chubb, a standout pass rusher from NC State, passing on quarterback Josh Allen. At that time, Elway had placed his hopes in Case Keenum, believing the veteran QB could provide the stability the team needed.
The Draft Decisions
John Elway's tenure as a decision-maker for the Broncos is marked by a mix of triumph and tribulation. His initial success came after rejoining the team in 2011 as the director of player personnel and subsequently being named executive vice president of football operations in 2012. During his first five seasons as general manager, Elway boasted an impressive 64-26 record. Unfortunately, his final five seasons were less favorable, ending with a 32-48 record.
One of the notable draft decisions was the selection of Paxton Lynch in 2016. Elway, aiming to find a franchise quarterback, placed his bets on Lynch, a move that eventually proved unsuccessful. Lynch started only four games before his release in 2018, raising questions about Elway's drafting acumen.
The 2018 draft further intensified the scrutiny on Elway's decision-making. Opting for Bradley Chubb over Josh Allen was a bold move, especially given the Broncos' subsequent struggles at the quarterback position. Chubb did show promise, but his tenure with Denver was marred by health issues, leading to his trade to the Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile, Josh Allen has flourished with the Buffalo Bills, developing into one of the league's top quarterbacks and leaving many to ponder what could have been for the Broncos.
Reflecting on Missed Opportunities
The instability at quarterback has been a persistent challenge for the Broncos. Since Peyton Manning's retirement after the 2015 season, Denver has cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks. This inconsistency is a significant factor in the Broncos' playoff drought since their Super Bowl win in the 2015 season.
Reflecting on his tenure and the decisions he made, Elway candidly admitted the magnitude of his 2018 draft choice. "Last year I played [golf] with him and I'm wondering, 'How long is it going to take him to realize that I passed on him and took Bradley Chubb instead?' And it took him two and a half holes. And I loved him. But it just didn't work out. He was my type. That was probably my biggest mistake of my GM days, was not taking Josh," Elway confessed.
The Legacy of John Elway
Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, leaving behind a legacy characterized by peaks and valleys. His initial years in management brought considerable success, culminating in a Super Bowl victory. However, the latter part of his tenure, marked by the failure to secure a long-term solution at quarterback, left the franchise struggling.
As the Broncos continue to search for stability at the helm, Elway's decisions remain a significant touchstone in discussions about the team's current state and future prospects. His forthright acknowledgment of his mistakes offers a lens into the high-stakes world of NFL management, where every draft pick can alter the destiny of a franchise.
Elway's story is a reminder of the challenges inherent in assembling a successful NFL team. While his tenure with Denver brought moments of triumph, it also serves as a lesson in the perils of decision-making at the highest level of professional sports.