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Former Broncos receivers who have better Hall of Fame resume than Julian Edelman

By Travis Wakeman

Denver Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Denver Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos
DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 09: Fans gather in Civic Center Park in front of the Colorado State Capitol to celebrate the Super Bowl 50 Champion Denver Broncos at a rally on the steps of the Denver City and County Building on February 8, 2016, in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Carolina Pathers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

Lionel Taylor

Lionel Taylor’s playing career has long been over, which is why he is mostly forgotten when having discussions like this one. But that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be in the conversation.

Taylor played with the team back in its AFL days and there, he was one of the best receivers in league history.

He finished his career with 567 receptions and though he hasn’t played in over 50 years, only 102 players in history have ever caught more passes than that. He also still ranks fourth in team history in both receptions and yardage.

Taylor actually began his professional playing career as a linebacker for one season with the Chicago Bears before coming to Denver and moving to the other side of the ball. He became the first receiver to ever catch more than 90 passes in a single season, and he recorded that feat twice.

Taylor’s name is never mentioned with candidates for the Hall of Fame and with his career ending all the way back in 1968, the chances of him ever getting there at this point are slim. However, he was every bit the player that Edelman was and is every bit deserving of the honor, should that come for Edelman.

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