Only 5 players remain from John Elway’s final 3 draft classes with Broncos

John Elway certainly had success as a general manager in the NFL.

Elway was practically single-handedly responsible for the Denver Broncos successfully recruiting free agent quarterback Peyton Manning in 2012, and Elway then built an impressive supporting cast around him, mainly through free agency.

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Elway’s success in the front office waned in the post-Manning era, though, particularly in the NFL draft. Before stepping down as GM following the 2020 season, Elway’s final three draft classes were largely underwhelming.

Elway’s misses included cornerback Isaac Yiadom in the third round (2018), tight end DaeSean Hamilton in the fourth round (2018), quarterback Drew Lock in the second round (2019), wide receiver KJ Hamler in the second round (2020) and cornerback Michael Ojemudia in the third round (2020).

Elway had some hits as well — such as linebacker Josey Jewell in the fourth (2018) and defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones in the third (2019).

After the Broncos traded tight end Albert Okwuegbunam to the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this week, our friend Joe Rowles pointed out on Twitter (now called X) that only five players remain from Elway’s final three drafts in Denver. Here’s a quick look at those players.

1

WR Jerry Jeudy (1st round, 2020)

(Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports)

2

Lloyd Cushenberry (3rd round, 2020)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

3

LB Justin Strnad (5th round, 2020)

(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

4

WR Courtland Sutton (2nd round, 2018)

(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

5

LB Josey Jewell (4th round, 2018)

(Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports)

6

John Elway's final 3 draft classes with Broncos

2018

Round 1: OLB Bradley Chubb
Round 2: WR Courtland Sutton
Round 3: RB Royce Freeman
Round 3: CB Isaac Yiadom
Round 4: LB Josey Jewell
Round 4: WR DaeSean Hamilton
Round 5: TE Troy Fumagalli
Round 6: OG Sam Jones
Round 6: LB Keishawn Bierria
Round 7: RB David Williams

2019 

Round 1: TE Noah Fant
Round 2: OL Dalton Risner
Round 3: QB Drew Lock
Round 4: DL Dre’Mont Jones
Round 5: LB Justin Hollins
Round 6: WR Juwann Winfree

2020

Round 1:	WR Jerry Jeudy
Round 2:	WR K.J. Hamler
Round 3:	CB Michael Ojemudia
Round 3:	OL Lloyd Cushenberry
Round 3:	DL McTelvin Agim
Round 4:	TE Albert Okwuegbunam
Round 5:	LB Justin Strnad
Round 6:	OL Netane Muti
Round 7:	WR Tyrie Cleveland
Round 7:	DE Derrek Tuszka

While not all of his draft classes worked out, Elway will be fondly remembered by fans for helping the team win a third Super Bowl as an executive after previously winning two titles as a quarterback.