The Complex Layers of an NFL General Manager's Challenge: John Elway and the Denver Broncos
Assembling the puzzle pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. Nowhere is this more evident than in the tenure of John Elway as the general manager of the Denver Broncos.
2018 Draft Decisions and Missed Opportunities
In the 2018 NFL Draft, Elway faced a pivotal decision. With the fifth overall pick, he selected Bradley Chubb, a promising pass rusher from NC State. At the same time, he passed on quarterback Josh Allen, who has since flourished with the Buffalo Bills. Reflecting on the decision years later, Elway conceded, "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."
Given Denver’s high hopes in Case Keenum at the time and Chubb’s initial promise, Elway’s choice was defensible. However, Chubb's tenure with the Broncos was marred by health issues, leading to his eventual trade to the Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile, Allen has become one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.
The Quarterback Conundrum
The decision to pass on Josh Allen is just one chapter in a larger narrative of quarterback instability in Denver since Peyton Manning’s retirement following the 2015 season. Including Keenum, the Broncos have cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks, a revolving door that has significantly contributed to the team’s prolonged absence from the playoffs since their Super Bowl win in the 2015 season.
Elway’s stint as a quarterback scout was not without its mistakes. In 2016, he drafted Paxton Lynch, who started only four games before being released in 2018. The inability to secure a reliable quarterback has been a glaring issue and a thorn in the Broncos’ side over the past several seasons.
Elway's Tenure and Legacy
John Elway rejoined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel and was named executive vice president of football operations in 2012. His early success was remarkable, posting a record of 64-26 in his first five seasons. However, the later years told a different story, with a record of 32-48 in his final five seasons, leading to his step back from the role following the 2020 season.
Elway’s time at the helm featured moments of brilliance and moments of regret. His role in the Broncos' signing of Peyton Manning and the subsequent Super Bowl 50 victory were high points in Denver's storied franchise. Yet, lingering challenges, particularly at the quarterback position, have cast shadows over his legacy.
In the end, John Elway’s career as a general manager is a tale of high hopes, strategic missteps, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. His acknowledgment of the “biggest mistake” of his GM days encapsulates the pressure and second-guessing inherent in the role of an NFL general manager. For the Broncos and their fans, the hope remains that lessons learned from the past can shape a brighter future on the field.