The journey of assembling an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. At the heart of such evaluations stands John Elway, the man who guided the Denver Broncos through several tumultuous and triumphant years.
Elway's Tenure and Draft Decisions
John Elway rejoined the Denver Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel and quickly rose to the rank of executive vice president of football operations in 2012. Over his first five seasons, Elway's record was an impressive 64-26, a testament to his impact and expertise. However, his final five seasons saw a significant downturn to 32-48, reflecting the challenges and missteps that clouded his later decisions.
One of the most scrutinized decisions during Elway's tenure was the 2018 NFL Draft. Elway opted for Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher from NC State, with the fifth overall pick, passing on quarterback Josh Allen. At the time, Elway had high hopes vested in Case Keenum to lead the Broncos, a hope that ultimately did not pan out as envisioned.
The Quarterback Conundrum
Josh Allen has since flourished with the Buffalo Bills, becoming one of the league's top quarterbacks. In contrast, Denver has cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks since Peyton Manning's retirement after the 2015 season. The instability at the quarterback position has been a significant reason for the Broncos' struggles, preventing them from making the playoffs since their Super Bowl win in the 2015 season.
Elway himself acknowledged his regret in not drafting Allen. "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." These candid reflections highlight the intricacies and pressures of decision-making at the highest levels of the sport.
Elway’s Hits and Misses
Elway's draft history includes several other significant choices and outcomes. In 2016, he selected quarterback Paxton Lynch, who started only four games before his eventual release in 2018. Bradley Chubb, the 2018 pick, faced his own challenges with health issues in Denver, which eventually led to his trade to the Miami Dolphins.
These moves stand in stark contrast to Elway’s early successes in building a formidable roster, including the acquisition of Peyton Manning in 2012. Manning's presence was pivotal in the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 victory, rounding off a period of prosperity for the franchise under Elway's direction.
The Legacy of John Elway
John Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, leaving behind a legacy marked by both remarkable success and notable missteps. His early years brought stability and dominance, but the latter part of his tenure underscored the inherent uncertainties and pressures of NFL management.
The complexities of Elway's decisions serve as a microcosm of the broader challenges faced by NFL franchises. The line between triumph and regret is often razor-thin, and Elway's journey encapsulates the perpetual balancing act required in the pursuit of sustained success.
As the Broncos continue to search for their next franchise quarterback and a return to the playoffs, Elway's influence and the lessons from his era will undoubtedly remain a significant part of Denver's ongoing narrative. The legacy of NFL front office executives is often etched not just in victories, but in the resilience and insight drawn from the hardest losses.