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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 Broncos, Steve Atwater
Denver Broncos safety Steve Atwater (27) during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game, a 38-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins on January 9, 1999, at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by William R. Sallaz/Getty Images) /

3. Steve Atwater, S, 1989

This is where things get tough. The fact that Steve Atwater checks in at No. 3 on this list shows you that there are some great first-round picks made by this team.

Atwater’s resume speaks for itself. The “Smiling Assassin” was known for his hard-hitting nature and he became a true enforcer on the Denver defense, where he played for 10 seasons. In that time, he was known as one of the best safeties in the league.

Atwater had nearly 1,200 career tackles to go along with 24 interceptions, but it was the fear he struck into opposing players that earned him the respect that he received on the field.

To this day, Atwater is the measuring stick that many safeties try to get to and certainly any safety that plays for the Broncos. He will soon be inducted into the Hall of Fame and fans will get a chance to relive his glory days one more time.

Drafted with the No. 20 overall pick in 1989, Atwater’s name is legendary in the history of the Broncos.

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