Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. The tenure of John Elway as the general manager for the Denver Broncos epitomizes the high stakes and critical decisions that define a team's fortunes.
Draft Day Decisions
One of the pivotal moments in recent Broncos history was the 2018 NFL draft. Choosing to pass on quarterback Josh Allen, Elway instead opted for Bradley Chubb, a highly-touted pass rusher from NC State, with the fifth overall pick. At that juncture, Elway had high hopes vested in Case Keenum, believing Keenum could provide the stability at quarterback the Broncos desperately needed.
This decision is one Elway would later reflect on with a hint of regret. "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 to pass on Josh Allen is underscored by the Broncos' ongoing instability at the quarterback position. Since the retirement of Peyton Manning following the team's Super Bowl win in the 2015 season, Denver has cycled through an astonishing 13 different starting quarterbacks. This instability has played a significant role in the Broncos' prolonged absence from the playoffs.
Elway, who rejoined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel and was named executive vice president of football operations in 2012, certainly had his share of successes. His record as general manager was an impressive 64-26 in his first five seasons. However, the next five years told a different story, with a record of 32-48.
Health Issues and Trades
Bradley Chubb, the pass rusher chosen over Josh Allen, showed promise but was plagued by health issues during his stint with Denver. These struggles eventually led to his trade to the Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile, Josh Allen has flourished with the Buffalo Bills, becoming one of the league's elite quarterbacks and often leaving Broncos fans and analysts pondering what could have been.
The choice of drafting quarterbacks has been a mixed bag for Elway. Before the 2018 draft, he picked Paxton Lynch in 2016, hoping Lynch would be the answer to their quarterback woes. Unfortunately, Lynch started only four games for the Broncos before his release in 2018, adding to the litany of quarterback misfires.
Legacy and Future
Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, leaving behind a legacy marked by both towering highs and frustrating lows. His early success in the front office, highlighted by a Super Bowl win, has been increasingly overshadowed by later struggles to find and develop a franchise quarterback.
Reflecting on Elway's time as general manager brings to light the volatile nature of NFL team building. The decisions made in draft rooms, the calculated risks, and the unforeseen variables like player health all converge to shape a team's fate. For the Denver Broncos, the aftermath of those choices continues to reverberate through the franchise.