Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor, and few know this better than John Elway. As the general manager for the Denver Broncos, Elway faced numerous critical decisions, some of which continue to reverberate through the league.
The 2018 NFL Draft Decision
John Elway made a significant choice in the 2018 NFL draft when he passed on selecting quarterback Josh Allen, now a star with the Buffalo Bills. Instead, Elway opted for Bradley Chubb, a talented pass rusher out of NC State, with the fifth overall pick. At that time, Elway had high hopes for Case Keenum, whom he believed could stabilize the quarterback position. “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 admitted with candid reflection.
Quarterback Instability
This wasn’t Elway’s first gamble with quarterbacks. Two years prior, he had drafted Paxton Lynch in 2016. However, Lynch’s career in Denver was short-lived, starting only four games before being released in 2018. This revolving door at quarterback has plagued the Broncos, contributing significantly to the team's struggles since Peyton Manning’s retirement following their 2015 Super Bowl win. In fact, since Manning's departure, Denver has cycled through a staggering 13 different starting quarterbacks, none able to bring the stability and success the team desperately needed. This quarterback instability has been one of the main reasons the Broncos have missed the playoffs every year since their Super Bowl triumph.
Elway’s Tenure and Challenges
John Elway rejoined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel and was named executive vice president of football operations in 2012. His early years at the helm were marked with remarkable success, boasting a 64-26 record in his first five seasons. However, the latter part of his tenure was marred by performance struggles, reflected in a 32-48 record over his final five seasons before he stepped away from his role following the 2020 season.
Bradley Chubb’s Journey
Bradley Chubb, the cornerstone of Elway's 2018 draft decision, showed immense promise but struggled to stay healthy, hampering his ability to make the desired impact in Denver. This led to his eventual trade to the Miami Dolphins. While Chubb's talent was never in question, the challenges he faced highlight the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where even the most calculated decisions can have unforeseen consequences.
The Path Forward
Looking back, Elway acknowledges the weight of his choices. His decision to pass on Josh Allen in favor of Chubb is one he openly admits as a significant miss. Allen has since flourished with the Buffalo Bills, becoming one of the league's premier quarterbacks. The hindsight adds a layer of complexity to understanding the intricacies and eventual outcomes of draft decisions. Elway’s candid reflection on his time as GM of the Broncos provides a unique insight into the delicate balance of talent evaluation, risk, and the hope that drives every draft decision.
The Denver Broncos continue to seek the right formula for returning to their former glory. John Elway's tenure as general manager reminds us of the unpredictability and relentless challenge of building and sustaining a successful NFL franchise.