Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise's success or failure is an intricate task, one that often invites intense scrutiny. This has been particularly true for John Elway, the former general manager of the Denver Broncos, whose decisions have left a lasting impact on the team's fortunes.
John Elway's Draft Decisions
John Elway, the legendary quarterback who returned to the Broncos' front office in 2011 as director of player personnel, quickly rose to the position of executive vice president of football operations in 2012. Initially, his tenure seemed promising, with a record of 64-26 in his first five seasons. However, the later stages of his career as GM were marked by more challenges, finishing with a 32-48 record in his final five seasons before stepping down after the 2020 season.
One of the most debated aspects of Elway's tenure has been his draft choices, especially concerning the quarterback position. In the 2018 NFL draft, Elway made the controversial decision to pass on Josh Allen, a quarterback now flourishing with the Buffalo Bills. Instead, he opted for Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher from NC State, with the fifth overall pick. At that time, Elway had high hopes invested in veteran quarterback Case Keenum, believing that the established passer would lead the team to success.
The Paxton Lynch Gamble
This wasn't Elway's first gamble on a quarterback. In 2016, he drafted Paxton Lynch, a decision that would later prove costly. Lynch started only four games for the Broncos before his eventual release in 2018. This instability at the quarterback position has been a significant factor in the Broncos' struggles to make the playoffs since their Super Bowl win in the 2015 season. Indeed, Denver has cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks since Peyton Manning’s retirement following the 2015 season.
Bradley Chubb's Hurdles
Bradley Chubb, the player Elway chose over Allen, showed initial promise but struggled with health issues throughout his time in Denver. These struggles eventually led to his trade to the Miami Dolphins. On the other hand, Allen's performance with the Bills has been nothing short of impressive, leading many to question Elway's judgment during that critical draft.
Reflecting on his decision, Elway expressed 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," Elway admitted.
Highs and Lows
Elway's tenure is a tale of highs and lows. After joining the Broncos as an executive, he helped guide the team to consistent success in his early years. The team thrived, culminating in a Super Bowl 50 victory. Yet, post-Manning, the Broncos couldn't find their groove, struggling particularly at the quarterback position, which arguably stemmed from Elway's drafts and signings.
Elway’s early success established high expectations. However, the team’s inability to stabilize the quarterback position proved to be his Achilles' heel. The decision to place faith in veterans like Keenum or take risks on unproven talents like Lynch overshadowed other successful moves made during his tenure.
Ultimately, John Elway’s legacy is a complex one. His executive career started with an impressive 64-26 record, but it ended with a challenging 32-48 mark. The contrasting periods of his leadership reflect the unpredictability and high stakes involved in NFL team management. While he will always be remembered for leading the Broncos to a Super Bowl win as both a player and as an executive, the missed opportunities, especially in drafting key players like Josh Allen, also form a significant part of his story.
As the Denver Broncos look towards a future without Elway at the helm, the echoes of his decisions will be felt for years to come. His tenure serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between success and failure in the NFL, often hinging on choices made in the heat of draft day, choices that resonate throughout the organization for seasons thereafter.