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Denver Broncos history: Team has double-dipped with first two picks in draft before

By Travis Wakeman

IRVING, TX - AUGUST 18: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys is brought down by rookie Jaris Moss #94 of the Denver Broncos during a preseason game at Texas Stadium on August 18, 2007 in Irving, Texas. (Photo by Dave Einsel/Getty Images)
IRVING, TX - AUGUST 18: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys is brought down by rookie Jaris Moss #94 of the Denver Broncos during a preseason game at Texas Stadium on August 18, 2007 in Irving, Texas. (Photo by Dave Einsel/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH – DECEMBER 30: Tight end Randy Grossman #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tries to catch a pass against linebacker Randy Gradishar #53 and defensive back Billy Thompson #36 of the Denver Broncos during a playoff game at Three Rivers Stadium on December 30, 1978, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH – DECEMBER 30: Tight end Randy Grossman #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tries to catch a pass against linebacker Randy Gradishar #53 and defensive back Billy Thompson #36 of the Denver Broncos during a playoff game at Three Rivers Stadium on December 30, 1978, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

Two DBs in 1969

In the 1969 AFL/NCL draft, the Broncos did not have a first-round pick.

In the second round, with the No. 36 overall selection, the team chose Grady Cavness, a cornerback out of UTEP. If that name does not ring a bell, don’t feel bad.

Cavness played just that season with the Broncos before spending one year with the Atlanta Falcons. His professional career then took a turn as he went to the CFL, playing for both the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the BC Lions.

He is little more than a footnote in the history of the team.

The team also chose a defensive back in round three of that draft and unlike Cavness, he turned out to be great. Bill Thompson is one of the best cornerbacks in team history.

As a rookie, Thompson was Second-Team All-AFL and his career would take off from there. His entire 13-year career was spent with the Broncos and in that time, he was selected to three Pro Bowls while also helping the team reach its first Super Bowl.

Thompson had a knack for the ball as a defender. He finished his career with 40 interceptions and an incredible 21 fumble recoveries. He set an NFL record by returning four of those fumble recoveries for touchdowns.

His career culminated with a spot on the team’s Ring of Fame, becoming just the tenth name on there at the time.

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