Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. Few figures understand this better than John Elway, whose tenure as the general manager for the Denver Broncos was marked by both triumphs and tumultuous decisions. One pivotal moment in Elway's GM career came during the 2018 NFL Draft when he passed on selecting quarterback Josh Allen, a decision that would later weigh heavily on his legacy.
Elway's choice instead fell on Bradley Chubb, a promising pass rusher from NC State, with the fifth overall pick. At that juncture, the Broncos were banking on Case Keenum, whom Elway had high hopes for as their starting quarterback. But history often writes its own script; while Chubb battled through health issues during his stint in Denver and was eventually traded to the Miami Dolphins, Josh Allen has flourished into a star with the Buffalo Bills. With 20/20 hindsight, the decision not to pick Allen has been one of the most scrutinized aspects of Elway's tenure.
During a reflective moment, Elway shared his thoughts: "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."
The Quarterback Carousel
The decision to pass on Allen is further highlighted by Denver's instability at the quarterback position. Since Peyton Manning’s retirement following the 2015 season, which ended in a Super Bowl win, the Broncos have cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks. This revolving door has been a significant factor in the team’s continuous struggle to return to playoff contention.
Elway himself was not immune to the challenges of drafting a franchise quarterback. Before Allen and Chubb, Paxton Lynch was selected by Elway in the 2016 draft. Unfortunately, Lynch’s career in Denver was short-lived; he started only four games before being released in 2018. This sequence of events, marked by missed opportunities and unmet expectations, underscores the relentless pressure and unpredictability inherent in the role of a general manager.
Legacy and Reflections
Elway joined the Broncos' front office in 2011 as the director of player personnel and was later named the executive vice president of football operations in 2012. His early years as GM were marked by impressive success, boasting a 64-26 record over his first five seasons. This period included a triumphant Super Bowl 50 victory, which seemed to cement his legacy as both a player and an executive icon for the franchise.
However, the subsequent years were much less kind. As the team struggled to find consistency, particularly at the quarterback position, Elway’s record as general manager slipped to 32-48 in his final five seasons. The challenges faced in the latter half of his tenure illustrate the precarious nature of NFL management, where the margin for error is slim and every draft decision can have long-lasting ramifications.
Ultimately, Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, leaving behind a mixed legacy, punctuated by both commendable achievements and notable missteps. The decision to pass on Josh Allen remains a discussion point among fans and critics alike, serving as a reminder of the unpredictable and often unforgiving landscape of NFL management.
In the high-stakes world of professional football, success is frequently measured by the clarity of hindsight. For John Elway and the Denver Broncos, the 2018 NFL Draft is a poignant chapter in the ongoing narrative of the franchise, where the choices of the past continue to shape the fortunes of tomorrow.