Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. The legacy of a General Manager (GM) such as John Elway, who led the Denver Broncos through a rollercoaster of triumphs and tribulations, encapsulates this challenging task.
The Draft Decision
John Elway’s tenure as the GM of the Denver Broncos is marked by critical decisions in the NFL Draft. One such pivotal moment came in 2018, when Elway had a chance to select quarterback Josh Allen. Instead, he chose Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher from NC State, with the fifth overall pick. At that time, Elway placed his bets on Case Keenum, hoping the quarterback could bring stability to the team. This decision has since been scrutinized, especially as Josh Allen has flourished with the Buffalo Bills, emerging as one of the league's top quarterbacks.
Reflecting on this critical decision, Elway recounted a golf outing where he played alongside Allen. "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."
Quarterback Carousel
The decision-making woes regarding quarterbacks weren't limited to missing out on Allen. Two years prior, in the 2016 NFL Draft, Elway had selected Paxton Lynch, another quarterback prospect. However, Lynch’s tenure with the Broncos was short-lived; he started only four games before his eventual release in 2018. Following Peyton Manning’s retirement after the 2015 season, Denver cycled through a staggering 13 different starting quarterbacks. This instability at the quarterback position has significantly contributed to the Broncos' inability to return to the playoffs since their Super Bowl win in the 2015 season.
Elway's Tenure and Transition
John Elway’s journey with the Broncos began when he rejoined the team in 2011 as the director of player personnel. He was soon promoted to executive vice president of football operations in 2012. In his first five seasons as GM, Elway led the team to an impressive 64-26 record, culminating in a Super Bowl victory. However, the glory years were followed by a more challenging period. Over his final five seasons, the team's record plummeted to 32-48, illustrating the difficulties in sustaining long-term success in the NFL.
Elway’s choices, particularly in the draft, played a crucial role in the team’s fortunes. Bradley Chubb, the pass rusher selected over Josh Allen, showed promise but struggled with health issues during his time in Denver. Chubb’s battle with injuries eventually led to his trade to the Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile, Josh Allen's rise with the Buffalo Bills only added to the weight of the missed opportunity.
The Aftermath
John Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, leaving behind a mixed legacy. His early success in orchestrating a Super Bowl-winning roster was overshadowed by later years filled with questionable draft decisions and a revolving door of quarterbacks. The Broncos are now tasked with finding stability and reclaiming their position as contenders in the NFL.
In the annals of Broncos history, Elway’s tenure as GM will be remembered for the highs of a championship and the lows of unmet potential. His reflections on missing out on Josh Allen serve as a poignant reminder of the ever-evolving and intensely challenging landscape of the NFL. As Elway himself acknowledged, "That was probably my biggest mistake of my GM days, was not taking Josh."