Predominantly Orange
FanSided

Denver Broncos: Ranking top 5 draft classes in team history

By Travis Wakeman

DENVER - SEPTEMBER 14: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 and wide receiver Eddie Royal #19 of the Denver Broncos celebrate after defeating the San Diego Chargers 39-38 during NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High on September 14, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. Cutler connected with Royal for the final touchdown of the game and the ensuing game winning two point conversion in the final minute. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DENVER - SEPTEMBER 14: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 and wide receiver Eddie Royal #19 of the Denver Broncos celebrate after defeating the San Diego Chargers 39-38 during NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High on September 14, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. Cutler connected with Royal for the final touchdown of the game and the ensuing game winning two point conversion in the final minute. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Denver Broncos
DENVER, CO – CIRCA 1983: Head Coach Dan Reeves of the Denver Broncos talks with quarterback John Elway #7 on from the sidelines during an NFL football game circa 1983 at Mile High Stadium in “Denver, Colorado. Reeves was the head coach of the Denver Broncos from 1981-92. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

1. 1983

Technically the Broncos did not draft John Elway, but it was the trade made with the Baltimore Colts that forever changed the franchise.

Elway was selected No. 1 overall by the Colts but stated that he would never play for the team, forcing them to trade him. The Broncos stepped up and made the trade, to get the rights to Elway. But there were other important picks made in that draft.

In the twelfth round of that draft with the No. 310 overall selection, the Broncos found a linebacker out of Minnesota by the name of Karl Mecklenburg. He would go on to become one of the best defensive players in team history and one of the best late-round choices of all time.

More from Predominantly Orange

Yes, there were 12 rounds back then.

Mecklenburg was not on the radar for most teams but the Broncos took a flier and it paid off pretty well. He went to six Pro Bowls and still ranks third in team history in career sacks with 79.5.

Also in the draft, the Broncos took Gary Kubiak. Though Kubiak spent his entire career as Elway’s backup, drafting him established a connection between him and the Broncos that would last over 30 years.

Kubiak was the team’s offensive coordinator when the Broncos won their first Super Bowl and he would return later down the road to help the team win Super Bowl 50 as the head coach. Kubiak is one of the more beloved figures in team history.

Home/Broncos Draft