The Denver Broncos historically have been good at drafting players, and that has brought them some of their most iconic names in franchise history. Let's break down the five best draft picks in Broncos history.
Shannon Sharpe
The Broncos selected Shannon Sharpe in the seventh round of the 1990 draft, and in terms of value, this is probably the best pick in team history. Sharpe played 12 years with the Broncos and after a slow start to his career, he became a problem for opposing defenses. In 1997, Sharpe caught 114 passes for 1,107 yards and three touchdowns. In two of his seasons, he also caught 10 touchdowns.
Overall, Sharpe was named to eight Pro Bowls, won three Super Bowl titles, and is now in the Hall of Fame.
Terrell Davis
Not only is Terrell Davis the best sixth-round pick in Broncos history, but he is also one of the best sixth-round picks in the history of the NFL. Davis was selected in Round 6 out of Georgia in 1995, and when he was drafted he hasn't expected to be a starter.
When Davis did hang up the cleats he had rushed for 7,607 yards and 60 touchdowns, In 1998, Davis had his best season, rushing 2,008 yards and notching 21 touchdowns. Davis hung up his cleats early, only playing in seven seasons. In each of his final three seasons he played in eight games or fewer.
Karl Mecklenburg
Karl Mecklenburg was selected in the 12th round in the 1983 draft (the same year that legendary Broncos quarterback and current general manager John Elway was selected). Coming out of Minnesota, Mecklenburg played on the defensive line, but once he got to Denver he expanded his role, also playing linebacker. Mecklenburg was a big part of the Broncos' success during the 1980s and finished his career 79.5 sacks, which is the third-most in team history.
Mecklenburg played 12 seasons with the Broncos, retiring after the 1994 season.
Floyd Little
Floyd Little was selected sixth-overall in the 1967 draft and is also the first pick for the Broncos in the common draft era. The stats didn't exactly always jump off the page, but he was the center point of the team's offense in the late 1960s and 70s.
In 1971, Little had 284 rushing attempts, totaling 1,113 yards and six touchdowns. He also caught 26 receptions for 255 yards.
Little is also one of three players in Broncos history to have his number retired by the team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
Von Miller is still a current member of the Broncos, but even now he has to be considered the best draft pick in the team's history. It came as a surprise that the Broncos selected Miller with the second pick in the 2011 draft, but it has proved to be the right decision.
Miller has been a staple of the defense since joining the Broncos and was a key reason the Broncos were able to win the 2016 Super Bowl.
Miller has been named to eight Pro Bowls and in 2011 he was the Associated Press' Defensive Rookie of the Year. If the Broncos can win another Super Bowl (or two), especially on the merits of its defense, Miller could potentially go down as the best player in franchise history.
Follow Us
Subscribe