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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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Karl Mecklenburg, Denver Broncos
PHOENIX – DECEMBER 16: Karl Mecklenburg #77 of the Denver Broncos holds the ball during a NFL game against the Phoenix Cardinals at Sun Devil Stadium on December 16, 1989 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Broncos defeated the Cardinals 37-0. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

LB: Karl Mecklenburg

Karl Mecklenburg was drafted in the 12th round out of Augustana University in 1983. He provided impact plays for the next 11 seasons for the Broncos.

Don’t let Mecklenburg’s draft position fool you. He is as clear of a choice for the All-Time Broncos team as you will find.

Mecklenburg played almost everywhere on defense, and that is not hyperbole. “Meck” played all 7 spots in the Broncos 3–4 defense.

Wade Phillips often remarked how perfect of a fit Mecklenburg was as he played inside on first and second down and provided a pass rush from the outside on third down.

Mecklenburg racked up 79 career sacks, highlighted by 13 in 1985. Had he stayed outside, Mecklenburg would have racked up many more sacks and potentially had a stronger push into the Hall of Fame discussion.

Mecklenburg’s all-around effort was also on display as he stopped opposing players 1,104 times while forcing 16 fumbles.

The team benefited for a decade by Mecklenburg’s versatility, but his legacy seems to be undervalued by outsiders as he did not stockpile stats in any one area.

If you focus on the impact and recognition of his peers, Mecklenburg has a legitimate gripe for the Hall of Fame as he earned his way to All-Pro honors three times, and six Pro Bowls.

— Nicholas Manning

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