The intricacies of an NFL franchise’s rise or fall often lie in the minutiae of draft decisions, player performance, and management choices. John Elway's tenure as the general manager of the Denver Broncos perfectly exemplifies this delicate balancing act. The legacy of Elway, a Hall of Fame quarterback turned executive, is a mixture of high peaks and deep valleys, with one of the most scrutinized chapters stemming from the 2018 NFL draft.
Draft Decisions and Their Consequences
In 2018, Elway held the fifth overall pick for the Broncos. At the time, the team was in flux at the quarterback position, a void unfilled since Peyton Manning's retirement after the triumphant 2015 season. Amid the uncertainty, Elway had his eyes set on Case Keenum, a quarterback he hoped could bring stability. This decision factored heavily into his choice to pass on quarterback Josh Allen, opting instead for Bradley Chubb, a promising pass rusher from NC State.
While Chubb showcased remarkable talent, injuries marred his tenure in Denver, ultimately leading to his trade to the Miami Dolphins. On the other hand, Josh Allen, drafted later by the Buffalo Bills, has evolved into one of the elite quarterbacks in the league, making Elway's bypass a point of continuous debate and reflection.
Elway's Reflection on the Josh Allen Decision
John Elway has candidly reflected on his choice, acknowledging the significant implications. "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 remarked.
Quarterback Carousel in Denver
The decision to pass on Allen is just one thread in Elway's complex web of quarterback choices. In 2016, he drafted Paxton Lynch with the team's first-round pick, but Lynch's brief tenure, consisting of only four starts before his release in 2018, only added to the team's instability. Since Manning’s departure, the Broncos have witnessed a carousel of 13 different starting quarterbacks, an instability that has significantly contributed to their playoff drought.
Elway’s Mixed Tenure
Elway rejoined the Broncos organization in 2011 as the director of player personnel, quickly rising to the position of executive vice president of football operations in 2012. During his initial five years, Elway’s decisions translated into considerable success, with a 64-26 record punctuated by a Super Bowl victory. However, the following five years reflected a stark contrast, as the Broncos staggered to a 32-48 record, overshadowed by frequent quarterback changes and inconsistent performance.
Legacy and Lessons
Elway's departure from his role following the 2020 season ended a notable chapter in the franchise's history. His legacy as a general manager is punctuated by early success and a later period of turbulence, symbolic of the high-stakes nature of NFL management. Draft decisions, particularly at the quarterback position, often hold the keys to long-term success or years of struggle.
While Elway's decision to draft Bradley Chubb over Josh Allen remains a focal point of critique, it underscores the unpredictable nature of the draft and its long-lasting impact on a team's trajectory. Elway’s era in Denver is a testament to the complexities of NFL leadership, where even the most seasoned icons can grapple with the weight of their decisions.