Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. For the Denver Broncos, the tenure of John Elway as the general manager encapsulates the highs and lows of such a challenging task.
Elway's Tenure and Key Draft Decisions
John Elway, a legendary quarterback for the Denver Broncos, transitioned into a front-office role, rejoining the organization in 2011 as the director of player personnel. He was later named the executive vice president of football operations in 2012. Over his first five seasons as general manager, Elway boasted an impressive record of 64-26. This period was highlighted by a Super Bowl victory in the 2015 season, a winning accomplishment marked by the leadership of Peyton Manning at quarterback. However, the retirement of Manning signaled the beginning of a tumultuous period for the Broncos, particularly at the quarterback position.
Elway’s tenure has been notoriously marked by his decisions during the NFL drafts. In 2016, he drafted quarterback Paxton Lynch, a decision that did not pan out as expected. Lynch started only four games before his eventual release in 2018, encapsulating the instability that has plagued the Broncos' quarterback situation since Manning’s retirement. Elway’s draft choices came under increased scrutiny during the 2018 NFL draft when he passed on quarterback Josh Allen, opting instead for pass rusher Bradley Chubb from NC State with the fifth overall pick.
The Josh Allen Miss and Its Consequences
At the time of the 2018 draft, Elway had high hopes vested in Case Keenum, believing he could fill the quarterback void. However, with hindsight, it is clear that passing on Josh Allen, who has flourished with the Buffalo Bills, was a significant misstep. Speaking at a later date, Elway reflected candidly on this decision: "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."
While Bradley Chubb showed promise, his career with Denver was marred by health issues, ultimately leading to his trade to the Miami Dolphins. Conversely, Josh Allen’s ascent with the Bills into one of the league’s elite quarterbacks further underscores what could have been for the Broncos.
The Ongoing Quarterback Carousel
Since Manning's departure, Denver has seen a startling cycle of instability at the quarterback position, cycling through 13 different starting quarterbacks. This instability has been a significant factor in the Broncos' failure to reach the playoffs since their Super Bowl victory. Despite an initial successful tenure, Elway’s last five seasons as general manager resulted in a disappointing 32-48 record. The lack of a stable and effective quarterback is often cited as a primary cause for this downturn.
Elway finally stepped away from his role as general manager following the 2020 season, closing a chapter filled with both remarkable success and stark challenges. The fluctuating performance and the revolving door at quarterback have left the Broncos searching for consistency and direction in the post-Elway era.
The NFL is a league where the smallest decision can have the most profound consequences. For the Denver Broncos, John Elway's decisions, particularly those in the draft, have had lasting impacts, shaping the franchise's present challenges and defining its future direction.