John Elway put everything on the line when he went from greatest player in Denver Broncos history to the team-leading executive. Sure, Elway had been in a leadership role as the Broncos’ quarterback for 16 seasons as well as the boss of his once-strong car dealership business, but this was different.
Other players (Matt Millen immediately comes to mind) have tried their hand at running the team from the overlooking offices and failed miserably, ruining reputations. By most accounts, Elway’s excelled in his position, which was Vice President of Football Operations in 2011 and expanded to include General Manager in 2014.
His Broncos went from the worst season in their history before his hiring – 2010’s 4-12 dumpster fire set ablaze by Josh McDaniels – to winning the AFC West four straight times and appearing in Super Bowl XLVIII.
But that success couldn’t have been realized without laying the foundation with his first draft, in 2011. That year, Elway and then-GM Brian Xanders’ class consisted of seven would-be starters of the nine young men selected. To find three starters in a single class is phenomenal; Elway and Co. more than doubled that number.
Let’s take a closer look at who the team took and what the players have become:
1st Round, No. 2 overall pick: Von Miller
This was a no-brainer for the Broncos, mostly. There was a ton of talent at the top end of the 2011 NFL Draft, including Cam Newton (No. 1), Marcell Dareus (3), A.J Green (4), Patrick Peterson (5), J.J. Watt (11), and the list goes on. The Broncos needed a defender, and in the days leading up to the draft it was unclear whether they’d go with the tackle Dareus, the cornerback/return man Peterson or Miller. Denver took Miller and he’s performed marvelously on the field. Miller has been a monstrous menace to opposing quarterbacks, being named the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2011 and All-Pro in 2012. Then the disastrous 2013 happened; he was suspended six games for substance abuse violations and eventually tore his ACL. Miller bounced back and sack-danced his way back to the Pro Bowl for a third time following 2014. His 49 sacks are second-most since 2011 behind only Watt. Not since Otis Armstrong at No. 4 in 1973 had Denver enjoyed a top-10 player who was considered among the best at his position for a time.
2nd Round, No. 45 overall: Rahim Moore
Moore will forever be known for his misplay on the “Fail Mary” during the 2012 Divisional Playoff double overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens. How can a safety allow a guy to get behind him, to play the ball instead of the man? But Moore started 48 games for Denver in his four years, including every game last season and he led the team with four interceptions. He grew into a solid safety who will be missed after he left to the Houston Texans in the offseason.
2nd Round, No. 46 overall: Orlando Franklin
Franklin started all 63 games he suited up in a Broncos jersey, most of them coming at right tackle. He was good there, but even better inside at left guard last season. The 6’6” 315-pounder developed into a road-grader, blowing away defensive linemen to lead the way for running backs. He was prone to commit too many penalties during his time in Denver, and now he’s with the San Diego Chargers.
3rd Round, No. 63: Nate Irving
Irving didn’t see much playing time his first two seasons, but then saw spot starting duty (four games) in 2013 and started eight games before being injured last year. Go back and look at the painful video and you’ll see Irving as one of the few defenders to show up during Super Bowl XLVIII. He’s a solid run defender who still needs a bit of work in the passing game. And now that he’s with the Indianapolis Colts, it’s their job to help him develop.
4th Round, No. 108: Quinton Carter
Carter started 10 games his rookie season at strong safety before going through multiple knee injuries. In 2011, he started the Broncos’ two playoff games, picking of two passes in those contests. In 2014, he played in 11 games as a backup, bolstering Denver’s defensive backfield but injured his knee again. He’s now a free agent not likely to return to the team.
4th Round, No. 129: Julius Thomas
Thomas had a slow-as-molasses start to his career, playing in only nine games with a lone reception in his first two years in the NFL. Ankle injuries hurt the basketball star turned tight end’s progress. But then came his breakout season. 2013 saw Thomas set career highs with 65 receptions for 788 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was on pace to destroy those numbers last season before injuring his ankle again, but still ended with 12 touchdowns on 43 receptions with 489 yards. Following a bit of a free agency fiasco, Thomas landed in Jacksonville with the Jaguars. Going from Peyton Manning to Blake Bortles will no doubt be difficult to adjust to.
6th Round, No. 189: Mike Mohamed
This was the big miss of the class for Elway and Co. as Mohamed played in only three games with Denver. He’s enjoyed a renaissance in Houston, playing in 14 games with two starts last year and racking up 39 tackles for the Texans.
7th Round, No. 204: Virgil Green
Elway doubled up on tight ends and it paid off, especially because Thomas and Green are different types of tight ends. While Thomas was a vertical threat and a pass-catching weapon, Green’s strength comes in the run-blocking game. He can catch, too, with 23 career receptions for 206 yards and one score in 17 starts. Green could see more playing time this year in Gary Kubiak’s run-heavy offense.
7th Round, No. 247: Jeremy Beal
Seventh-round draft picks rarely see the field, as was the case with Beal.
What comes to light is Elway’s intention on picking based on need. Six of the nine players were on the defensive side of the ball, which was in shambles when The Duke took the reins of the Broncos. Five of the nine players started in their rookie seasons, which partly tells how talent-depleted Denver was at the time but also hints at Elway’s ability to find immediate impact players.
Miller is on his way to be possibly the greatest defensive player in franchise history while Green continues to grow into his role. Unfortunately, they’re the final two remaining on the roster only four years following that Draft.
