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Denver Broncos: John Elway Must Find His Draft “Robin”

By Cameron Parker

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 18: Executive vice president and general manager John Elway of the Denver Broncos is recognized during the pregame ceremony as his jersey number is retired before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field Field at Mile High on September 18, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 18: Executive vice president and general manager John Elway of the Denver Broncos is recognized during the pregame ceremony as his jersey number is retired before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field Field at Mile High on September 18, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos icon John Elway struggles to draft offensive talent and it might be time to relinquish rights to someone else…

DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 01: John Elway, General Manager and Executive Vice President of Football Operation for the Denver Broncos, looks on as Pat Bowlen is honored with an induction into the Broncos’ Ring of Fame during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 1, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 01: John Elway, General Manager and Executive Vice President of Football Operation for the Denver Broncos, looks on as Pat Bowlen is honored with an induction into the Broncos’ Ring of Fame during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 1, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Through all the successes of John Elway as an executive there are also faults to his name as Denver Broncos vice president of football operations.

Elway has had tremendous success building the franchise through free agency. After the disappointing loss in Super Bowl 48, Elway added Aqib Talib, DeMarcus Ware and TJ Ward. Two of three are no longer here.

Elway decided to sign Emmanuel Sanders that same offseason proving he does know offensive talent in free agency. Despite reaping the benefits of free agency, Elway must prove he can draft better offensive talent.

Of all the positions, Elway fails to adequately evaluate the offensive line and quarterback position. Here are his draft picks from the offensive line:

Vinston Painter, Philip Blake, Michael Schofield, Matt Paradis, Ty Sambrailo, Max Garcia and Connor McGovern.

There are more than a few players there that never fared well on the field. Three of the of offensive linemen listed are on the roster. Paradis is proving to be a very reliable offensive center and arguably the best in the NFL. However, Paradis is currently dealing with a lingering hip issues.

Garcia is a decent run blocker, but fails in pass protection. His spot on the roster is uncertain beyond 2017.

McGovern lacks playing time. Yet, the strength of McGovern and versatility to play center and guard opens a spot for the future on the Broncos offensive line. The fact still remains: Elway must draft better on the offensive line.

Another place to focus is quarterback. Three quarterbacks drafted during Elway’s tenure all are on a track to potential be permanent NFL free agents or lifetime backups.

Elway drafted Brock Osweiler to become the heir to Peyton Manning, and his fall has been rough to watch.

Former Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak and ex-quarterbacks coach Gregg Knapp pounded the table to consider Trevor Siemian in seventh round in 2015. Siemian played decent last season, but has struggled mightily in 2017, forcing throws to wide receivers.

Elway is attached to last year’s draft pick Paxton Lynch, but sample size is not pretty. However, evaluation is haltered due to another injury. All the uncertainty and lack of production from all three quarterbacks will lead Elway to signing or drafting the future again.

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In order to fix the issue of the drafting better offensive talent, Elway must consider giving the responsibility to someone else. Despite some of the failures with the San Francisco 49ers, Trent Baalke might be a person to consider for such role.

Baalke had a hand in the drafting of Joe Staley and others. Another candidate is promoting Kubiak from within. Kubiak currently is the Senior Personnel Advisor with the Broncos. It is unclear if Kubiak would like to assume a larger role; however it would be a great reunion story.

Calling for Elway to step down is blind analysis and not accepting all the facts. Elway is a tremendous evaluator of NFL talent via free agency. In the NFL Draft, Elway focuses a great deal on the defensive side of the ball.

Even Osweiler’s 5-2 season under center helped the Broncos achieve home-field. Osweiler may not have been a sole contributor. However, he is a reason there are rings on each member of the Super Bowl 50 team’s finger.

Elway will do what is necessary to right the wrongs of the this 2017 season. One idea is to promote from within or hire a highly qualified draft scout to monitor the best prospects.

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