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Denver Broncos: John Elway’s top 10 NFL Draft steals

By Sayre Bedinger

SANTA CLARA, CA - FEBRUARY 07: Malik Jackson #97 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumble for a first quarter touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - FEBRUARY 07: Malik Jackson #97 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumble for a first quarter touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 19: Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) celebrates a sack during the first half of a game between the Denver Broncos and the visiting Cincinnati Bengals on November 19, 2017 at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO.(Photo by Russell Lansford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 19: Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) celebrates a sack during the first half of a game between the Denver Broncos and the visiting Cincinnati Bengals on November 19, 2017 at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO.(Photo by Russell Lansford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5. Derek Wolfe, DE

Draft info: 36th overall selection (2nd round) of the 2012 NFL Draft

The 2012 NFL Draft will go down as arguably John Elway’s best draft.

There were many contributors on the Super Bowl 50 team that came from this draft class. Derek Wolfe was just one of many. Wolfe’s presence on the defensive line provides an attitude. It is a mentality embraced by the rest of the defense, which collectively has bought into this frame of mind.

During this draft, Elway moved back out of the first round and into the second round. Elway decided to pass on Doug Martin, Dont’a Hightower, and Courtney Upshaw among some other very talented players.

Martin would have been nice, but as of right now, Wolfe’s made a more lasting impact with the Denver Broncos.

Passing on these three players in 2012 garnered criticism of the Wolfe selection. Because of Wolfe’s late successful push that year he climbed up the draft boards to become close to a first-round pick. In hindsight, the Broncos potentially could’ve waited for a player like Wolfe to fall to the third based on what people were saying about him at the time. However, Wolfe’s production indicates he could have easily been a first-round pick in that 2012 Draft.

Wolfe had first-round talent with motor, fighting off numerous blocks consistently it became easy for fans to soon gravitate to the Wolfe selection. (Predominantly Orange staff writer Cameron Parker)

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