Predominantly Orange
FanSided

Denver Broncos: Who is most deserving Hall of Fame candidate now?

By Travis Wakeman

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 8: Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware #94 of the Denver Broncos warms up before a game against the Carolina Panthers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 8, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 8: Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware #94 of the Denver Broncos warms up before a game against the Carolina Panthers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 8, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 6
Next
Denver Broncos, Rod Smith
Denver Broncos’ wide receiver Rod Smith (L) is hauled down by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Tom Knight during the second quarter 23 September 2001 in Tempe, Arizona. AFP Photo/Mike FIALA (Photo by Mike FIALA / AFP) (Photo by MIKE FIALA/AFP via Getty Images) /

Though it’s taken quite some time, the Denver Broncos are starting to make their mark on the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

For years, the Broncos barely had a presence in the hallowed hall, taking all the way until 2004 to get their first inductee, John Elway. Since the legendary quarterback earned his gold bust, the Broncos have added six more players who spent all or a good portion of their careers in Denver.

Following last Saturday’s announcement that Peyton Manning and John Lynch will be inducted, they join Steve Atwater as the next three Broncos to get in. But why stop there? There are still more deserving players from this great franchise that could (and likely should) get the call or the knock on the door from David Baker.

In descending order, those players will be counted down here.

6. Karl Mecklenburg

Denver Broncos, Steve Foley
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 25: Linebacker Karl Mecklenburg #77 and defensive back Steve Foley #43 of the Denver Broncos take down running back Lee Rouson #23 of the New York Giants during Super Bowl XXI at the Rose Bowl on January 25, 1987, in Pasadena, California. The Giants won 39-20. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) /

Karl Mecklenburg has been eligible for the Hall of Fame for over two decades, having ended his playing career following the 1994 season. He spent all 12 years of his career in Denver.

Selected in round 12 of the 1983 draft, Mecklenburg watched as 309 players were picked before him. However, he quietly turned into one of the best linebackers in all of football, earning six trips to the Pro Bowl and four All-Pro nods.

He finished his career with over 1,100 tackles and 79.5 sacks, which still ranks third in team history.

‘The Snow Goose’, as he was affectionately nicknamed, was also one of the classiest players in team history. Though his contributions on the field may have been forgotten by many since his career ended so long ago, he is still one of the best players in Broncos history.

Home/Broncos History