Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor, especially when reflecting on pivotal draft decisions. One such decision brings John Elway, the Hall-of-Fame quarterback turned Denver Broncos executive, under the microscope for his choice in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Elway, serving as the general manager for the Denver Broncos, opted for Bradley Chubb, a promising pass rusher from NC State, with the fifth overall pick instead of selecting quarterback Josh Allen. Allen, who has since flourished with the Buffalo Bills, leads many to question Elway’s decision. Elway had high hopes vested in Case Keenum at the time, a veteran he believed could stabilize the quarterback position.
The Players and Their Paths
Bradley Chubb’s tenure with the Broncos was marred by health issues, eventually leading to his trade to the Miami Dolphins. His performance, while initially promising, didn’t meet the high expectations set for him as a cornerstone selection. On the other hand, Josh Allen has thrived in Buffalo, developing into one of the league’s premier quarterbacks and a constant dual-threat presence.
Reflecting on this decision, Elway candidly admitted his mistake during a casual conversation on the golf course with 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."
A History of Quarterback Struggles
This draft decision is part of broader concerns regarding Denver’s quarterback woes. Since the retirement of Peyton Manning following their Super Bowl 50 victory in the 2015 season, the Broncos have cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks. Among these, Paxton Lynch stands out as a particularly notable misstep. Drafted by Elway in 2016, Lynch started only four games before being released in 2018, highlighting the ongoing instability at the position.
The carousel of quarterbacks has resulted in the Broncos missing the playoffs repeatedly since their last Super Bowl win. It underscores how one position, if left unsettled, can derail an entire franchise’s success. Elway’s initial tenure as general manager was marked by success, with a record of 64-26 in his first five seasons, including that Super Bowl triumph. However, his final five seasons saw a stark decline, with a 32-48 record, reflective of the broader challenges the team faced.
A Glimpse into Administrative Decisions
John Elway's journey behind the scenes began when he rejoined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel. He was promoted to executive vice president of football operations in 2012, assuming greater control over team decisions. His early years in the front office mirrored his legendary playing career, marked by strategic acumen and a knack for winning. However, the latter part of his administrative tenure raises questions about drafting strategies and talent evaluation.
Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, leaving behind a legacy that includes both high peaks and deep valleys. His successes in the early 2010s were significant, but they can't completely overshadow the quarterback dilemmas that plagued his latter years. The decision to pass on Josh Allen in favor of Bradley Chubb remains a defining moment of his tenure. It serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of drafting and the long-lasting impact of such decisions.
Conclusion
In retrospect, while Chubb’s selection was defensible given his college performance and team needs, Allen’s rise with the Bills magnifies the weight of what could have been for the Broncos. John Elway’s honest reflection on his tenure, acknowledging his biggest mistake, provides a rare glimpse into the challenging and pressure-filled world of NFL management.
For the Broncos, the quest for stability at quarterback continues, reminding every franchise that in the NFL, the margins between a successful pick and a missed opportunity are razor-thin.