Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. One pivotal figure in the Denver Broncos' recent history is John Elway, the general manager who made several controversial draft decisions during his tenure.
John Elway, a legendary quarterback himself, rejoined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel and was promoted to executive vice president of football operations in 2012. His early years in the front office were marked by significant success. Over his first five seasons, Elway's record as general manager was an impressive 64-26. This period culminated in the Broncos' triumph in Super Bowl 50 during the 2015 season. However, Elway's second half-decade in charge told a different story, with the team struggling to a 32-48 record.
One of the most scrutinized decisions of Elway's tenure came in the 2018 NFL draft. At a time when the Broncos were in desperate need of a stable quarterback, Elway passed on Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen and instead selected Bradley Chubb, a highly-touted pass rusher from NC State, with the fifth overall pick. Elway's choice was influenced by the fact that the Broncos had recently signed veteran Case Keenum, whom Elway had high hopes for at the time. Additionally, lingering memories of a previous draft misstep—selecting quarterback Paxton Lynch in 2016, who started just four games before his release in 2018—may have influenced his cautious approach.
Reflecting on this decision years later, Elway candidly 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."
Indeed, Josh Allen has flourished with the Buffalo Bills, developing into one of the premier quarterbacks in the league. His combination of arm strength, mobility, and playmaking ability has made him a cornerstone of the Bills' resurgence. For the Broncos, the allure of Allen’s potential serves as a haunting "what if."
Bradley Chubb, on the other hand, had a more tumultuous tenure in Denver. Plagued by health issues, Chubb struggled to consistently make an impact on the field. The Broncos eventually traded him to the Miami Dolphins, a move that echoed the franchise’s ongoing instability at several key positions.
The quarterback carousel in Denver has been relentless since Peyton Manning's retirement after the 2015 season. The franchise has cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks, a stark contrast to the stability Allen has provided in Buffalo. This tumult has been a significant factor in the Broncos' failure to reach the playoffs since their Super Bowl win.
Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, ending a tenure that had started with high promise but concluded with considerable uncertainty. While his early successes will always be remembered fondly, the lingering question of "what might have been" continues to shadow the narrative, particularly when conversations turn to the 2018 NFL draft.
As the Broncos look to find their footing and return to playoff contention, Elway's admission of his biggest mistake underscores the delicate balance of drafting decisions. The choice between a promising quarterback and a defensive star often shapes the trajectory of a franchise for years to come.