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Denver Broncos all-time team and 29-player lineup

By Graham Tiedtke

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 11: Quarterback John Elway #7 of the Denver Broncos, his uniform partially covered with mud, scrambles during the AFC Championship Game against the Cleveland Browns at Municipal Stadium on January 11, 1987 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Broncos defeated the Browns 23-20. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 11: Quarterback John Elway #7 of the Denver Broncos, his uniform partially covered with mud, scrambles during the AFC Championship Game against the Cleveland Browns at Municipal Stadium on January 11, 1987 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Broncos defeated the Browns 23-20. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 9: Defensive tackle Paul Smith #70 of the Denver Broncos watches from the sideline against the San Diego Chargers at San Diego Stadium on December 9, 1973 in San Diego, California. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 17-14. (Photo by Richard Stagg/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 9: Defensive tackle Paul Smith #70 of the Denver Broncos watches from the sideline against the San Diego Chargers at San Diego Stadium on December 9, 1973 in San Diego, California. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 17-14. (Photo by Richard Stagg/Getty Images) /

DT: Paul Smith

The Broncos have produced some of the best defenders in NFL history. From Hall of Famer Steve Atwater to should-be Hall of Famers Randy Gradishar and Karl Mecklenburg, the Broncos defensive talent pool has a rich tradition.

One name that may not come to mind is Paul Smith, but it should have.

Smith played defensive tackle and defensive end for the Broncos from 1968-1978 after being selected in the 9th round of the 1968 draft out of New Mexico.

Recognition for Smith seems tough to be absent based on the fact he did most of his damage before the sacks were officially counted.
He gets lost in the shuffle with players such as Barney Chavous, Pete Duranko, and Lyle Alzado.

Smith helped turn the Broncos from a franchise hoping to earn respect, to a team with the legendary “Orange Crush” defense.

He dominated early on in his career, helping the Broncos get their first winning season in 1973 by sacking opposing quarterbacks 11 times.

Often having multiple-sack games, Smith ended his 135-game career with an unofficial 55 sacks and earned a spot in the Denver Broncos‘ Ring of Fame in 1986.

— Nicholas Manning

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