The journey to gauging the success of an NFL franchise is often a convoluted process, fraught with critical decisions that can shape the destiny of the team for years. Such was the narrative in Denver, where John Elway, a revered figure within the Broncos' organization, found himself at the helm, navigating the intricate world of NFL management.
Elway and the Draft Day Decisions
John Elway took on the role of general manager for the Denver Broncos with the weighty responsibility of returning the franchise to its former glory. However, his tenure was marked by some decisions that have since sparked much debate and scrutiny. One of the pivotal moments occurred during the 2018 NFL draft when Elway opted to pass on quarterback Josh Allen, a decision that many now view as a significant misstep.
At that time, Elway had high hopes vested in Case Keenum, whom he believed would be the key to solving Denver's quarterback conundrum. Instead of securing the services of Josh Allen, Elway chose Bradley Chubb, an impressive pass rusher from NC State, with the fifth overall pick.
Reflecting on that decision, Elway said, "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."
High Hopes and Disappointments
The choice of Bradley Chubb came at a time when Elway had been struggling to find a stable quarterback for the Broncos. Keenum's tenure was short-lived, and the quarterback issues persisted. The franchise had previously placed their faith in Paxton Lynch, drafted in 2016, but he started only four games before being released in 2018.
Despite the high expectations, Chubb’s time in Denver was marred by health issues. His potential was tantalizing but ultimately unfulfilled in the Broncos' uniform, culminating in his eventual trade to the Miami Dolphins. On the other hand, Josh Allen flourished with the Buffalo Bills, developing into one of the elite quarterbacks in the league, further casting a shadow on Elway’s decision-making in that draft.
The Elway Era: Peaks and Valleys
John Elway’s journey with the Broncos began on a high note when he rejoined the team in 2011 as the director of player personnel and was named executive vice president of football operations in 2012. His initial years were marked by success, with a strong 64-26 record in his first five seasons, highlighted by a Super Bowl victory in the 2015 season.
However, following Peyton Manning's retirement, the Broncos experienced stability issues at the quarterback position, cycling through 13 different starters since the 2015 championships. This instability played a significant role in Denver’s playoff drought, an issue that proved difficult for Elway to resolve. His final five seasons saw a declining record of 32-48, leading to mounting pressure and criticism.
Stepping Away
After a tenure filled with both triumphs and tribulations, John Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season. His legacy remains a topic of debate among Broncos' faithful. On one hand, he delivered a Super Bowl to the city, but on the other, the lingering quarterback dilemma and notable draft misses, such as passing on Josh Allen, left lasting impressions.
Elway's admission about his biggest mistake adds a personal dimension to his professional journey. It’s a candid acknowledgment from a man who has contributed greatly to the Broncos, both on the field and in the front office. As Denver looks to rebuild and return to its winning ways, the lessons from Elway’s tenure will undoubtedly inform their future decisions.
In the end, the complexity of NFL management, combined with the unpredictable nature of player development, ensures that every decision is a gamble, one that can either fortify a legacy or become an enduring question mark.