The Complex Legacy of John Elway’s Draft Decisions
Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. Few know this better than John Elway, the former general manager for the Denver Broncos. His tenure, marked by a mix of masterstrokes and missteps, continues to be a topic of fervent debate among football aficionados.
One pivotal moment in Elway's career arose during the 2018 NFL draft. With the fifth overall pick, the Broncos’ future seemed ripe for shaping. Yet, instead of choosing quarterback Josh Allen, Elway opted for Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher from NC State. This decision proved to be one of the most contested choices during his time at the helm.
At the time, Elway had high hopes vested in Case Keenum, who had shown promise. However, this decision was set against the backdrop of Elway's prior bold quarterback choice—Paxton Lynch, drafted in 2016. Lynch started only four games before his eventual release in 2018, a decision that haunted the Broncos as they sought stability under center.
Bradley Chubb, though brimming with potential, struggled with health issues throughout his stint in Denver. Ultimately, his journey with the Broncos ended with a trade to the Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile, Josh Allen, whom Elway had passed on, flourished with the Buffalo Bills, becoming one of the league's premier quarterbacks.
The quarterback conundrum didn't end there for the Broncos. Since Peyton Manning’s retirement following the 2015 season, Denver has cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks. The instability at this crucial position has been a significant factor in the Broncos’ struggles to make the playoffs since their Super Bowl win in the 2015 season.
Reflecting on his decision in a candid moment, Elway shared, "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's journey with the Broncos began in 2011 when he rejoined the franchise as the director of player personnel. A year later, he was named executive vice president of football operations. Under his leadership, Denver saw a period of significant success, with a record of 64-26 in his first five seasons. This era included Denver’s victorious Super Bowl 50 campaign.
However, the latter years of his tenure told a different story. Elway's record as general manager fell to 32-48 in his final five seasons, a stark contrast to the success he enjoyed early on. This decline highlighted the challenges and pressures inherent in maintaining a competitive edge in the NFL.
Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, leaving behind a legacy of high peaks and deep valleys. The decisions made during his tenure, especially in the draft, continue to impact the Broncos and shape discussions about their future. As the franchise looks to find stability at the quarterback position, the ghost of the 2018 draft lingers—a reminder of the narrow margins between triumph and regret in the NFL.