Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. The Denver Broncos, under the stewardship of John Elway, offer a poignant example of how crucial decisions can shape the trajectory of a team.
Draft Day Decisions
John Elway, a Broncos legend who joined the team’s front office in 2011 as the director of player personnel and became executive vice president of football operations in 2012, was at the helm during the 2018 NFL Draft. With the fifth overall pick, Elway opted for Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher from NC State, instead of selecting quarterback Josh Allen. At the time, Elway had high hopes pinned on Case Keenum, so the need for a quarterback did not seem pressing.
Elway’s decision was influenced by prior experiences. In 2016, he had drafted Paxton Lynch, who started only four games before being released in 2018. This had led to a cautious approach when it came to drafting quarterbacks. Reflecting on the decision years later, Elway admitted, "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." Josh Allen, meanwhile, has flourished with the Buffalo Bills, turning into one of the league's premier quarterbacks.
Unstable Quarterback Situation
Since Peyton Manning's retirement following their Super Bowl win in the 2015 season, the Broncos have cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks. This lack of stability at the most critical position has been a significant factor in the team’s playoff drought since that championship season. The franchise’s struggles at quarterback can be linked back to some of these pivotal draft-day decisions.
The Rise and Fall of Elway’s Tenure
Elway’s tenure in the front office saw a stark contrast between his early and later years. His record as general manager was an impressive 64-26 in his first five seasons when the Broncos were perennial contenders. However, the next five seasons saw a dramatic downturn with a 32-48 record. This period was marked by struggles, particularly at the quarterback position that he was unable to stabilize.
Bradley Chubb, the player selected over Josh Allen, showed flashes of brilliance but was hampered by health issues throughout his time in Denver. The Broncos ultimately traded him to the Miami Dolphins, completing a sequence of events that has seen them still searching for their franchise quarterback.
Legacy and Lessons
Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, leaving behind a mixed legacy of remarkable highs and disappointing lows. While his early success as a general manager firmly established him as one of the league’s top executives, the latter years of his tenure serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of securing a stable and reliable quarterback.
The story of John Elway’s time in the Broncos' front office exemplifies the challenges and intricacies of building a successful NFL franchise. It underscores how a few critical decisions, especially in the draft, can have long-lasting ramifications for a team’s fortunes.