Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. In recent years, few decisions have garnered as much hindsight analysis as John Elway’s tenure as general manager of the Denver Broncos.
The Draft that Could Have Been
John Elway, a Hall of Fame quarterback and an iconic figure for the Broncos, took over as the general manager in 2011. Under his leadership, the Broncos saw early success. Unfortunately, the subsequent rollercoaster years have painted a different picture. One of the standout moments from Elway's time in charge revolves around the 2018 NFL draft.
Drafting is always a gamble, and in 2018, Elway made a decision that is still discussed today. With the fifth overall pick, Elway opted for Bradley Chubb, a talented pass rusher from NC State. This decision meant passing on Josh Allen, a quarterback who has since flourished with the Buffalo Bills. Elway’s reasoning at the time was guided by his confidence in Case Keenum, the team's quarterback acquisition that year.
Reflecting on the draft, Elway stated, "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."
A Look Back at Key Decisions
The 2018 draft wasn’t the first time Elway’s quarterback choices drew scrutiny. In 2016, he selected Paxton Lynch, a decision that unfortunately did not pan out. Lynch started only four games before his eventual release in 2018, a stark contrast to the franchise quarterback role the team had envisioned for him.
Elway’s early success as a general manager cannot be overlooked. His record in his first five seasons was an impressive 64-26, including a Super Bowl win in the 2015 season, spearheaded by another legendary quarterback, Peyton Manning. Yet, post-Manning, the franchise struggled significantly, evidenced by a 32-48 record in Elway’s final five seasons.
The Quarterback Carousel
Since Manning’s retirement following the 2015 season, the Broncos have cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks. This instability at the most crucial position has undoubtedly been a significant reason for the franchise’s struggles, leading to a prolonged playoff drought.
Bradley Chubb, the player taken over Josh Allen, showed promise but struggled with health issues in Denver. His tenure with the Broncos ended with a trade to the Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile, Josh Allen has become a prominent figure in the NFL, leading the Bills to multiple playoff appearances and showcasing the kind of elite performance Denver desperately sought.
End of an Era
Elway rejoined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel and was named executive vice president of football operations in 2012. While his early years were marked by success, the following years saw a series of missteps and near-misses, particularly in the draft and free agency.
After the 2020 season, Elway stepped away from his role, closing the chapter on a decade-long tenure that included highs and significant lows. His own words perhaps summarize his reflective state on some of the critical decisions: "That was probably my biggest mistake of my GM days, was not taking Josh."
The narrative of John Elway’s tenure as general manager is a testament to the pressures and challenges of building a successful NFL franchise. While marked by a Super Bowl triumph and moments of brilliance, it is also a story underscored by the missed opportunities and the ever-elusive quest for stability at the quarterback position.