Denver Broncos: Top 15 acquisitions of the decade

Drafted Malik Jackson in 2012

By: Shelby Manning 

Malik Jackson was an integral part of the Broncos’ championship defense and Super Bowl run during the Peyton Manning era.

Taken in the fifth round in the 2012 NFL Draft, Jackson quickly earned the role as a second string defensive end, serving as Derek Wolfe’s backup (also taken that in that draft class).

Jackson would serve as a backup until the end of the 2013 regular season, when he’d get his first start against the Chiefs. Jackson would start throughout the postseason and in Super Bowl 48.

Although the signing of DeMarcus Ware in 2014 would move Jackson back to a backup role, the defense employed by Wade Phillips in 2015 gave Jackson a starting nod. 2015 would prove to be Jackson’s best season as a Bronco, although he had served as a more than capable backup each season.

He would finish with a career-high 45 tackles, five sacks, a safety, and seven pass deflections and would record a fumble recovery in the Super Bowl 50 victory.

However, the post-Super Bowl 50 offseason was harsh, and the beloved Jackson would depart Denver and sign a huge deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Upon his release by the Jaguars in 2019, many hoped for Jackson to return to Denver, but he would eventually sign with the Philadelphia Eagles, and was placed on IR early on into the season with a foot injury.

Jackson is one of the best defensive players ever drafted by John Elway, and his role in a championship level defense makes him one of the best acquisitions of the decade.