:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46135174/usa-today-8339138.0.jpg)
Patrick Daugherty of rotoworld.com ranked all 32 NFL General Managers in the league from first to last. Let's take a look at where Denver Broncos General Manager John Elway ranks on this list and why.
First let's take a look at the top five general managers listed.
- Bill Belichick, New England Patriots
- Ozzie Newsome, Baltimore Ravens
- John Schneider, Seattle Seahawks
- Ted Thompson, Green Bay Packers
- John Elway, Denver Broncos
Thoughts:
I cannot argue about any of these General Managers being listed ahead of Elway. Belichick, Newsome, Schnieder and Thompson all have at least one Super Bowl Ring. These men are the reason why their teams are competitive year in and year out. These guys are the best in the business.
Now onto Elway. Here is what Daugherty had to say about Elway's General Manager career thus far.
Subtlety is not John Elway’s strength. Elway excels at something much louder — finding impact players. From his first first-rounder (Von Miller) to his first quarterback (Peyton Manning), Elway has hit home run after home run. There have been underrated free agents (Brandon Marshall, Terrance Knighton, Emmanuel Sanders), unheralded rookies (Chris Harris, C.J. Anderson) and big-ticket signings (Aqib Talib, T.J. Ward). They’ve all done their job, turning the Broncos into the decade’s best team yet to win a Super Bowl. Elway may never get his just due as an executive if the Manning Era comes and goes without a title, but he’s brought game to match his name in the Broncos’ front office.
I agree with every bit of this. Elway has found impact players from free agency, the draft and even from undrafted free agency. He has come through and made some big splashy free agent signings(Peyton Manning, DeMarcus Ware, Wes Welker, Aqib Talib, Emmanuel Sanders, T.J. Ward) and has hit on some big names in the draft(Von Miller, Orlando Franklin, Malik Jackson, Julius Thomas, Danny Trevathan, Virgil Green, Bradley Roby, Derek Wolfe, Rahim Moore). He has even found talent in the undrafted free agent pool and some "no-name free agents"(Chris Harris Jr., C.J. Anderson, and Brandon Marshall). The Broncos have also won the AFC West four straight years under Elway, they have made the postseason four straight years under Elway, and have one Super Bowl appearance.
Elway has made some mistakes during his time. Questionable draft day trades where the Broncos appear to be the losers in the deal. While I don't view Elway's draft classes to be bad, he has had a few misses. Quarterback Brock Osweiler is still a major unknown is Elway's General Manager legacy. He was pinned as the quarterback of the future but has yet to start a game because of Peyton Manning. Osweiler's success or failure will sway people's opinion on Elway.
Overall I believe Elway has done a great job as a GM. He's signed impact players, drafted alright and has the Broncos winning. The key for me going forward will be finding a quarterback post-Manning and the success of Gary Kubiak.
Indiana Pacer's Paul George reps the Broncos:
I'm not a big NBA fan, but Paul George is winning me over.
Paul George has betrayed Indianapolis with Broncos headgear. pic.twitter.com/Z0MywNzmAu
— SB Nation GIF (@SBNationGIF) April 16, 2015
Broncos News:
Kubiak has old message for Broncos - USA Today
Denver Broncos reported for offseason workouts Monday minus franchised receiver Demaryius Thomas.
DeMarcus Ware: I’ve got many years left | ProFootballTalk
DeMarcus Ware's first year as a member of the Broncos got off to a quick start. Ware had seven sacks in the first seven games of the 2014 season, including a three-sack effort in a 42-17 win over the 49ers in October.
It takes plenty of work, some luck for Broncos to trust anyone over 30 - Denver Broncos Blog - ESPN
The Denver Broncos have six players who have already turned 30
Emmanuel Sanders: Cody Latimer will 'jump on to the map' in 2015 - Denver Broncos Blog - ESPN
Emmanuel Sanders, Gary Kubiak, and John Elway have used Cody Latimer's name in a sentence about how important 2015 can be for the wide receiver.
Denver Broncos' Peyton Manning works to build chemistry - Denver Broncos Blog - ESPN
Jeff Legwold talks about Peyton Manning working with the team's receivers at Duke.
At 33, Broncos DeMarcus Ware still expects big things - The Denver Post
Already on a fast track towards the Hall of Fame when he arrived in Denver last year, DeMarcus Ware quickly found his career prime gear.
DeMarcus Ware: 'I've got many years left' - NFL.com
DeMarcus Ware's play broke down as 2014 pressed on. However, the Denver Broncos' pass rusher said it's not an indication his career is winding down.
Malik Jackson embraces switch to 3-4 scheme
The new defense and coaches could bring out the best in the 293-pounder as he moves to the 3-4 defensive end and looks to build on a strong 2014.
How did Champ Bailey do it all? - ESPN Video
Paul Finebaum sits down with former All-American Champ Baily to discuss his success and his career in NFL.
Denver Broncos' Peyton Manning works to build chemistry - Denver Broncos Blog - ESPN
Jeff Legwold talks about Peyton Manning working with the team's receivers at Duke.
Horse Tracks:
Will Chargers deal Philip Rivers? - NFL.com
The San Diego Chargers have a lot of big decisions to make. Not only is the team considering a move to Los Angeles, the Bolts also might part ways with their quarterback.
Polian: On draft flexibility, Mariota and Winston and selecting Manning in 1998
ESPN analyst Bill Polian, a 2015 Hall of Fame inductee, recalls the 1998 debate between picking Peyton Manning or Ryan Leaf.
Aaron Hernandez Guilty of First-Degree Murder - Massachusetts news - Boston.com
Former Patriots star Aaron Hernandez has been convicted of first-degree murder in the killing of Odin Lloyd in June 2013.
Cleveland Browns unveil new uniforms - NFL.com
The Cleveland Browns have fresh new uniforms. Donte Whitner, Alex Mack, and Barkevious Mingo unveiled the new look on Tuesday at the Cleveland Convention Center.