The delicate art of constructing a successful NFL franchise hinges on a myriad of decisions, some minute and others monumental. One such decision faced by John Elway, former general manager of the Denver Broncos, continues to be a focal point for fans and analysts alike. Elway’s choice to pass on quarterback Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL Draft remains a significant talking point as one of the pivotal moments in recent Broncos history.
Elway's Draft Decisions
In the 2018 NFL Draft, Elway, then at the helm of the Broncos’ decision-making process, selected Bradley Chubb, a revered pass rusher from NC State, with the fifth overall pick. At that juncture, Elway’s aspirations were pinned on Case Keenum, whom he had brought in to remedy the team’s quarterback woes. This, along with his earlier attempt to solidify the QB position in drafting Paxton Lynch in 2016, seemed to be measures grounded in firm conviction.
However, Lynch's inability to secure a lasting role—evidenced by his mere four starts before his release in 2018—compounded the challenge. Although Chubb demonstrated formidable potential, his trajectory with the Broncos was marred by injuries, eventually leading to his trade to the Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile, Josh Allen, who could have donned the orange and blue, blossomed into a star with the Buffalo Bills, making Elway’s choice a poignant 'what-if' scenario.
The Quarterback Carousel
The quarterback position post-Peyton Manning has been nothing short of tumultuous for the Broncos. Following Manning’s celebrated retirement after the triumphant 2015 season, Denver has cycled through an astounding 13 different starters. This ongoing instability has invariably contributed to the Broncos’ prolonged playoff drought; they haven't returned to the postseason since their Super Bowl 50 victory.
Elway himself admitted this misstep with candor, stating, "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."
Elway’s Evolution in Denver
Elway's journey with the Broncos has been a saga marked by both triumph and trials. Rejoining Denver in 2011 as the director of player personnel, he ascended to the role of executive vice president of football operations a year later. His early tenure was illustrious, boasting a stellar record of 64-26 across his first five seasons.
Despite the initial success which included a Super Bowl victory, the latter phase of his stint as GM was plagued by a downturn, reflected by a 32-48 record in his final five seasons. This stark contrast underscores the fickle nature of NFL management, where a few pivotal decisions are often magnified under the relentless spotlight of scrutiny.
Reflecting on Missed Opportunities
The intersection of Elway’s decision not to draft Josh Allen and the subsequent performance of the Broncos emphasizes the profound impact of the NFL Draft. While Chubb’s tenure brought moments of individual brilliance, the overall health issues and eventual trade to the Dolphins highlighted a lost opportunity to secure a franchise quarterback.
For Elway, who stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, the reflections are as much about learning as they are about legacy. The fluctuating fortunes of the Broncos post-Manning and the revolving door of quarterbacks serve as a testament to the intricate challenges faced by NFL general managers.
In the ever-competitive landscape of the league, the tale of John Elway and the 2018 NFL Draft remains a compelling chapter of examination and introspection, a testament to the high-stakes nature of NFL franchise management.