Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. Such is the case for John Elway, former general manager and enduring legend of the Denver Broncos. His tenure as a front-office executive is a tale of highs and lows, marked by critical decisions that have shaped the team's current landscape.
The Decision That Echoes
One of the most debated choices of Elway's stint came during the 2018 NFL Draft. With the fifth overall pick, Elway opted for Bradley Chubb, a promising pass rusher from NC State. At that pivotal moment, quarterback Josh Allen was still available. Elway, however, passed on Allen, a decision that draws scrutiny to this day as Allen has flourished with the Buffalo Bills.
"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 reflected candidly.
Betting on Case Keenum
The decision to pass on Allen was underpinned by Elway's confidence in Case Keenum, whom the franchise had recently signed in free agency. Keenum had led the Minnesota Vikings to an impressive playoff run, and Elway hoped he'd bring similar success to Denver. Unfortunately, Keenum's tenure did not pan out as envisioned, contributing to the team's ongoing quarterback carousel.
Prior Investments and Missed Opportunities
Elway's tumultuous relationship with the quarterback position dates back further. In 2016, he drafted Paxton Lynch with the 26th overall pick. Lynch, however, turned out to be another misstep, starting only four games before his release in 2018. The inability to settle on a franchise quarterback has haunted the Broncos since Peyton Manning’s retirement after the 2015 season. Since then, Denver has cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks, a significant reason for their playoff drought.
Bradley Chubb's Struggles
Bradley Chubb, the man chosen over Josh Allen, showed flashes of brilliance but was frequently beset by health issues. Injuries derailed his time with the Broncos, culminating in a trade to the Miami Dolphins. His departure symbolizes the unfulfilled promise of Elway's decision-making during that operative draft.
Elway’s Early Success and Final Record
Elway's tenure wasn't without its triumphs. After rejoining the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel and later being named executive vice president of football operations in 2012, Elway helped craft a team that achieved remarkable success early on. His record as general manager stood at an impressive 64-26 over his first five seasons, underscored by the Super Bowl victory in the 2015 season.
However, the latter half of his tenure painted a different picture. From the heights of Super Bowl glory, the Broncos fell to a 32-48 record over Elway's final five seasons. The decline was emblematic of the instability at the quarterback position and other personnel challenges.
Final Reflections
Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, leaving behind a legacy that is both revered and critiqued. His early decisions and maneuvers brought considerable success, but the lingering quarterback conundrum and the notable misstep of passing on Josh Allen continue to haunt the Broncos faithful.
The lessons from Elway's journey as an executive underscore the unpredictable nature of building an NFL franchise. His candid admission regarding Allen serves as a stark reminder that even the most seasoned football minds can sometimes misjudge the enigmatic puzzle that is NFL talent evaluation.