Fansided

10 biggest what-ifs in NFL Draft history

By Russell S. Baxter

BALTIMORE, MD - CIRCA 2001: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts during an NFL football game circa 2001 at PNINet Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Lewis played for the Ravens from 1996-2012 (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - CIRCA 2001: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts during an NFL football game circa 2001 at PNINet Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Lewis played for the Ravens from 1996-2012 (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 4: Quarterback John Elway #7 of the Denver Broncos stands behind center Bill Bryan at the line of scrimmage during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on September 4, 1983 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 14-10. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** John Elway;Bill Bryan
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 4: Quarterback John Elway #7 of the Denver Broncos stands behind center Bill Bryan at the line of scrimmage during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on September 4, 1983 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 14-10. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** John Elway;Bill Bryan /

4. John Elway decides to play for the Colts (1983)

It was a four-year stretch for the city of Baltimore when it came to the National Football League.

In 1981, the Colts finished 2-14 and still hold the NFL record for the most points allowed in a season (533). In 1982, the club used the second overall pick on linebacker Johnie Cooks, who enjoyed a solid NFL career. However, they also dealt quarterback Bert Jones to the Rams. The team wound up with the fourth overall pick and took Ohio State quarterback Art Schlichter. His troubling story is updated by Dana Hunsinger Benbow of the Indy Star.

The Colts finished 0-8-1 during the strike-shortened ’82 campaign. With the first overall pick in 1983, Stanford University quarterback John Elway was the selection. He made it clear that he did not want to play for the organization. Baltimore would deal his draft rights to the Denver Broncos and when it was all said and done, he would enjoy a legendary 16-year career in the Mile High City and was eventually enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

What would have happened to both the Colts and Broncos if the former would have been able to convince Elway to play for the team? It’s worth noting that in 1984, the franchise packed up and moved to Indianapolis.

Ironically, Elway’s final season in the NFL was 1998, the same year the Colts used the first overall pick on quarterback Peyton Manning, who would finish his career with the Broncos thanks to Elway.

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