Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. A prime example of this is John Elway’s tenure as the general manager of the Denver Broncos. Though a legendary quarterback himself, Elway’s decisions from the front office have been subjects of much debate among fans and analysts alike.
Elway's Draft Decisions
One pivotal moment came during the 2018 NFL Draft when Elway, then the general manager of the Broncos, opted for Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher from NC State, with the fifth overall pick. This decision meant passing on quarterback Josh Allen, who has since flourished with the Buffalo Bills. Reflecting on this choice, Elway admitted, "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."
At the time, Elway had high hopes vested in Case Keenum as the starting quarterback, a decision that perhaps influenced his choice to pass on a young quarterback like Allen. Elway’s previous draft experience also colored this decision. In 2016, he had drafted Paxton Lynch, who unfortunately started only four games before his eventual release in 2018. This miss may have made Elway hesitant to draft another young quarterback.
Impact of Quarterback Instability
The decision to pass on Josh Allen has significantly influenced the Broncos' recent history. Following the retirement of Peyton Manning after the Super Bowl-winning 2015 season, Denver has cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks. This instability at the quarterback position has been a crucial factor for the Broncos not making the playoffs since their triumph in the 2015 season.
Bradley Chubb, the Broncos' 2018 pick, did show promise but struggled with health issues during his time in Denver. Eventually, Chubb was traded to the Miami Dolphins, adding another layer of complexity to Elway’s drafting record.
Career Highlights and Decline
Elway rejoined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel and was named executive vice president of football operations in 2012. His initial years were marked by significant success. In his first five seasons as general manager, Elway boasted an impressive record of 64-26, crowned by the Super Bowl victory in the 2015 season.
However, the subsequent five seasons saw a stark contrast, with Elway’s record falling to 32-48. The team’s inability to find and secure a stable starting quarterback was a substantial factor in this downturn. After a decade of ups and downs, Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, leaving behind a legacy filled with achievements as well as what-ifs.
Elway’s era as the Broncos’ general manager is a testament to the complexities of assembling a successful NFL franchise. While his choices brought a Super Bowl victory, the challenges and missed opportunities, such as passing on Josh Allen, highlight the unpredictable nature of the sport.