John Elway — the most iconic sports figure in the Mile High City — has brought three championships to this city, two as the quarterback and one as the general manager. Elway is quickly climbing the ranks as one of the best executives in the NFL, and has only been doing it for five years.
The best way to evaluate a general manager is to look at their player personnel decisions. Last week we looked at the five best free agent signings during Elway’s time and evaluated the top five players that Elway let leave the Broncos. After reading both of those, it is pretty clear why Elway is already viewed as one of the best executives in the league.
When it comes to evaluating Elway, and his personnel staff, it is easy to point to free agency because of the flashy names of Peyton Manning, DeMarcus Ware and Aqib Talib; however, it is just as important to look at the draft.
Even thought Elway didn’t have the title of general manager until 2014, he has been calling the shots since joining the team in 2011.
When evaluating the drafts since 2011, there is good news and bad news. The good news is Elway has had two fantastic drafts. The bad news is Elway’s last great draft was in 2012. Last year’s draft can turn it around, but it is still too early to tell.
It is almost hard to believe how one executive could have two great drafts, and then follow them up with two very bad drafts. Without further to do, here are the rankings of the Elway drafts from worst to best:
