John Elway, the former general manager of the Denver Broncos, recently admitted that passing on quarterback Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL draft was one of his biggest mistakes. Despite having a chance to select Allen, Elway opted for Bradley Chubb instead, a decision that he now regrets. While watching Allen play, Elway realized his error and acknowledged that Allen was the type of player he should have chosen.
The Missed Opportunity
By choosing Chubb over Allen, Elway missed out on a talented quarterback who had proven himself in college. Allen, known for his strong arm and athleticism, was playing college football just a short distance away from Denver. However, Elway decided to go in a different direction, ultimately impacting the future of the Broncos.
This wasn’t the first time Elway made a questionable decision in the NFL draft. In 2016, he drafted Paxton Lynch, another tall quarterback from a small school, who failed to live up to expectations. Lynch’s disappointing performance only added to the scrutiny of Elway’s drafting abilities, especially when compared to other successful picks in the league.
Downward Spiral
Elway’s choices in the draft had a lasting impact on the Broncos franchise. The team struggled to find a reliable starting quarterback after Peyton Manning’s retirement, leading to numerous changes and uncertainties at the position. The lack of stability at quarterback contributed to the Broncos‘ inability to make the playoffs in recent years, highlighting the consequences of Elway’s draft mistakes.
Despite his success as a player and early accomplishments as an executive, Elway’s final years with the Broncos were marked by disappointment. The decline in the team’s performance coincided with Elway’s struggles in the draft, as he failed to find a suitable replacement for Manning. His inability to address the quarterback position ultimately led to his departure from the organization after the 2020 season.
John Elway’s decisions in the NFL draft, particularly his choice to pass on Josh Allen, had a significant impact on the Denver Broncos‘ fortunes. His regrets and admissions of past mistakes serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by general managers in building successful teams. The legacy of his successes and failures with the Broncos will be remembered as a cautionary tale for future decision-makers in the NFL.
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