John Elway, the former general manager of the Denver Broncos, recently admitted that passing on quarterback Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL draft was his biggest mistake. Despite recognizing Allen’s potential during a round of golf, Elway chose NC State pass rusher Bradley Chubb as the fifth overall pick instead. This decision proved to be detrimental for the Broncos, as Chubb struggled with injuries and was eventually traded to the Miami Dolphins.
Elway’s choice to select Chubb over Allen was not his first quarterback-related error. In the 2016 NFL draft, he picked Paxton Lynch from Memphis as the 26th overall selection. Lynch’s tenure with the Broncos was plagued by poor performance, losing the starting position to seventh-rounder Trevor Siemian. The failure of both Lynch and the oversight of Allen’s talent marked a downward spiral for the franchise, leading to a playoff drought since their Super Bowl victory in 2015.
The aftermath of Elway’s decisions left the Broncos in quarterback limbo, cycling through 13 different starters post-Peyton Manning. The inability to solidify the quarterback position has been a major factor in the team’s decline. With the upcoming season bringing new faces like Jarrett Stidham, Bo Nix, and Zach Wilson into the mix, the quarterback battle remains unresolved. Elway’s legacy, once illustrious with Super Bowl victories as a player, has been tarnished by his missteps in player selection.
Rise and Fall
Elway’s return to the Broncos in 2011 initially brought success, including signing Peyton Manning and reaching two Super Bowls. However, his later years as GM saw a decline in performance, culminating in a losing record before his departure in 2020. The once-mighty franchise under Elway’s leadership now faces an uncertain future, still grappling with the repercussions of missed opportunities in the draft.
John Elway’s admission of regret over passing on Josh Allen highlights the impact of pivotal decisions in shaping the destiny of a football franchise. The cautionary tale of choosing Chubb over Allen serves as a reminder of the fine line between success and failure in the NFL. As the Broncos strive to rebuild and regain their former glory, the scars of past mistakes linger as a poignant reminder of the consequences of overlooking potential talent.