Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. The Denver Broncos' journey over the past decade offers a clear illustration of how pivotal draft decisions and quarterback stability can shape a team's fortunes. One key figure in this narrative is John Elway, the Broncos' former general manager and a Hall of Fame quarterback himself.
The Draft Decision
In the 2018 NFL draft, John Elway had a significant decision to make. Holding the fifth overall pick, Elway opted for Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher from NC State. At the time, Elway had high hopes vested in Case Keenum, who was just coming off a career-best season with the Minnesota Vikings. This decision, however, meant passing on quarterback Josh Allen, who was eventually selected by the Buffalo Bills.
Reflecting on this decision, Elway later 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."
Quarterback Carousel
The decision not to draft Allen was compounded by Denver's ongoing struggles to find a stable quarterback. Since Peyton Manning’s retirement following the 2015 season, the Broncos have cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks. This instability at the game's most crucial position has been a significant reason for the team's failure to make the playoffs since their Super Bowl win in the 2015 season.
Elway, rejoining the Broncos as the director of player personnel in 2011, was named executive vice president of football operations in 2012. His early years in the front office were marked by notable success, boasted by a 64-26 record over his first five seasons. However, the subsequent five seasons saw the Broncos slump to a 32-48 record, reflecting the challenges and missed opportunities that plagued the franchise.
Missed Opportunities
Bradley Chubb, despite showing promise as a pass rusher, struggled with health issues during his time in Denver. Ultimately, he was traded to the Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile, Josh Allen has flourished with the Buffalo Bills, developing into one of the league's premier quarterbacks and leading his team deep into the playoffs.
Elway’s track record with quarterback selections remains a pivotal aspect of his legacy. In 2016, Elway drafted Paxton Lynch, who started only four games before his eventual release in 2018. This pattern of instability at the quarterback position has perpetuated the franchise’s struggles and highlighted the significant impact of draft decisions on a team's long-term success.
Conclusion of an Era
After stepping away from his role following the 2020 season, Elway left behind a mixed legacy as a general manager. His tenure was marked by early success, including bringing Peyton Manning to Denver and winning Super Bowl 50. Yet, his later years were overshadowed by the inability to find a long-term solution at quarterback, a position that remains a question mark for the franchise.
As the Broncos look toward the future, the lesson from Elway’s era is clear: the importance of making the right draft decisions, especially when it comes to the quarterback position, cannot be overstated. For Denver, and for any NFL team, stability and success hinge on the ability to get those critical choices right.