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Denver Broncos: Ranking every WR ever drafted in second round

By Travis Wakeman

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 24: Eddie Royal #19 of the Denver Broncos runs back a kickoff against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 24, 2011 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo won 40-14. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 24: Eddie Royal #19 of the Denver Broncos runs back a kickoff against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 24, 2011 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo won 40-14. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 1: Wide receiver Vance Johnson #82 of the Denver Broncos catches a pass as he is pursued by linebacker Bryan Hinkle #53 and cornerback John Swain #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during a game at Three Rivers Stadium on December 1, 1985, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 31-23. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 1: Wide receiver Vance Johnson #82 of the Denver Broncos catches a pass as he is pursued by linebacker Bryan Hinkle #53 and cornerback John Swain #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during a game at Three Rivers Stadium on December 1, 1985, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 31-23. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

Arizona. VanceJohnson. 1. 835. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. WR. player

1985

The most recognizable name from the famed “Three Amigos”, Vance Johnson lands at No.1 on this list.

Johnson was selected with the No. 31 overall pick of the 1985 draft, a pick that would be a first-rounder in today’s draft. He still ranks sixth on the Broncos’ all-time receptions list with 415 catches in his career. Here’s a list of the guys ahead of him on that list:

Ed McCaffrey, Lionel Taylor, Shannon Sharpe, Demaryius Thomas and Rod Smith. That’s a who’s who of Broncos receivers, putting Johnson on an elite level.

Because Johnson played so long ago (he retired following the 1995 season), he was one of the better receivers in the league during his years and when I think back to John Elway dropping back and looking for his top receiver, I still think of him throwing the ball to No. 82.

Johnson finished his career with 415 receptions for 5,695 yards and 37 touchdowns. He also helped the Broncos reach three Super Bowls. He is tied with Demaryius Thomas for most 100-yard receiving games in the playoffs with three.

When compiling a list of the best wide receivers in Broncos history, Johnson should absolutely be mentioned. He played in a different era where there wasn’t a premium on throwing the football like there is in today’s game, but it seemed like when the team needed a play, he was there to make it.

And he’s far and away the best wide receiver ever taken in the second round by the Broncos.

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