Assembling the puzzle pieces of an NFL franchise's success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor, evident in the performance of the Denver Broncos under John Elway's leadership.
Elway’s Decision-Making Process
John Elway, who helmed the Denver Broncos' front office for nearly a decade, made several pivotal decisions that shaped the team's trajectory. Among them, his choice in the 2018 NFL draft stands out. With the fifth overall pick, Elway opted for Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher from NC State, instead of quarterback Josh Allen. At that point, Elway had significant faith in Case Keenum, whom he hoped would stabilize Denver's quarterback situation. This decision was influenced by past experiences, notably the drafting of Paxton Lynch in 2016. Lynch, regrettably, started only four games before his release in 2018, marking a significant setback for the franchise.
The Impact of Draft Choices
The drafting of Chubb was initially seen with optimism. However, his tenure in Denver was marred by health issues, eventually leading to his trade to the Miami Dolphins. On the other hand, Josh Allen has flourished with the Buffalo Bills, becoming one of the league’s premier quarterbacks. In retrospect, Elway himself acknowledges the gravity of this decision. Reflecting on the 2018 draft, 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."
Challenges in the Post-Manning Era
Since Peyton Manning’s retirement following the 2015 season, the Broncos have struggled to find stability at the quarterback position. A staggering 13 different quarterbacks have started for the franchise since then, an instability that has significantly contributed to the team’s failure to make the playoffs since their Super Bowl win in the 2015 season. Despite Elway's strong start as the general manager, with a 64-26 record in his first five seasons, the latter part of his tenure tells a different story. The Broncos' 32-48 record in his final five seasons underscores the challenges the franchise faced under his guidance.
Legacy and Moving Forward
John Elway, who rejoined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel and was named executive vice president of football operations in 2012, was instrumental in building a Super Bowl-winning team. However, the subsequent struggles reflect the perennial challenge of sustaining success in the NFL. His decision to step away from his role following the 2020 season marked the end of an era, one filled with both triumphs and tribulations.
The tale of Elway's tenure with the Denver Broncos serves as a cautionary narrative about the complexities and unpredictabilities inherent in NFL management. Decisions made in the draft room can echo for years, influencing the fortunes of a team long after the choices are made. While Elway achieved substantial early success, his later years remind us that even the most storied careers are subject to the whims of time, health, and, above all, the outcomes of crucial decisions.