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Denver Broncos: 7 players from the past that would improve 2020 team

By Graham Tiedtke

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 4: Randy Gradishar #52 and Larry Riley #26 of the Denver Broncos tackles the runner of the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game October 4, 1981 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. Gradishar played for the Broncos from 1974-83. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 4: Randy Gradishar #52 and Larry Riley #26 of the Denver Broncos tackles the runner of the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game October 4, 1981 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. Gradishar played for the Broncos from 1974-83. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 4: Randy Gradishar #52 and Larry Riley #26 of the Denver Broncos tackles the runner of the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game October 4, 1981, at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. Gradishar played for the Broncos from 1974-83. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 4: Randy Gradishar #52 and Larry Riley #26 of the Denver Broncos tackles the runner of the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game October 4, 1981, at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. Gradishar played for the Broncos from 1974-83. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

Randy Gradishar, Linebacker

This is an obvious call, as Randy Gradishar would be an upgrade to any Broncos defense, but man wouldn’t it be nice to have this guy now?

One of the biggest holes on the Denver defense for a number of years has been at the middle linebacker position. The Broncos have found serviceable players in recent years in guys like Todd Davis and most recently, Alexander Johnson, but come on, this is Gradishar we’re talking about.

If you were to list the top 20 inside linebackers in NFL history, there’s no way that Gradishar isn’t on the list. He was the centerpiece of the ‘Orange Crush’ defense for many years.

After an amazing college career at Ohio State, Gradishar came to the Broncos as the team’s first-round pick in 1974. He spent all 10 seasons of his career in Denver.

During that time, he put his stamp on the league as one of its most consistent tacklers and versatile linebackers.

Gradishar piled up countless tackles en route to being named to the Pro Bowl seven times. He was also a six-time All-Pro. Unofficially, he is credited with over 2,000 tackles, which is just crazy.

The 1978 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Gradishar never came off the field. What has been the issue for many of the inside linebackers the Broncos have had in recent memory? Getting burned in coverage by tight ends, running backs and slot receivers. But the main issue has been tight ends.

Gradishar had the athleticism to hang with those tight ends and was a great pass defender, as evidenced by his 20 career interceptions.

— Travis Wakeman

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