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Denver Broncos: 5 best first-round picks in team history

By Travis Wakeman

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 9: Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas #88 of the Denver Broncos appeals to the referee for a touchdown call after making a catch on the edge of the end zone against the Seattle Seahawks at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 9, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. The catch was ruled a touchdown and not challenged. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 9: Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas #88 of the Denver Broncos appeals to the referee for a touchdown call after making a catch on the edge of the end zone against the Seattle Seahawks at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 9, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. The catch was ruled a touchdown and not challenged. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – JANUARY 08: Demaryius Thomas #88 of the Denver Broncos beats Ike Taylor #24 and Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers to the end zone as he goes 80 yards for the game-winning touchdown on the first play of overtime at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 8, 2012, in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 29-23 in their AFC Wild Card Playoff game. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – JANUARY 08: Demaryius Thomas #88 of the Denver Broncos beats Ike Taylor #24 and Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers to the end zone as he goes 80 yards for the game-winning touchdown on the first play of overtime at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 8, 2012, in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 29-23 in their AFC Wild Card Playoff game. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

Soon, the Denver Broncos will go on the clock in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. With any luck, the player they select will someday be included on a list just like this.

We have already discussed the worst first-round picks in team history so now it’s time to bring some positivity back to the room as we anticipate just who the Broncos will add to the roster on Thursday night.

Throughout team history, the Broncos have made some excellent first-round picks. For those of you expecting to see John Elway on here, that won’t happen. This will only include first-round picks that were made by the team, no trades.

Knowing that players like Shannon Sharpe and Terrell Davis were found in later rounds and players like Rod Smith weren’t drafted at all, who could be on this list?  We actually have to include a couple of honorable mentions.

Honorable mentions:

Ryan Clady, OT, 2008: Ryan Clady spent eight solid years with the Broncos, becoming one of the league’s best left tackles during that time period. He was selected to four Pro Bowls. He should be remembered as one of the best offensive linemen in team history.

Dennis Smith, S, 1981: Dennis Smith was taken with the 15th overall pick of the 1981 draft and he made a long-lasting impression on the Broncos. To this day, he is still considered one of the best defensive players in team history.

Smith had over 1,000 career tackles to go along with 30 interceptions and 15 sacks. He was selected to six Pro Bowls during his career,

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