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The top All-Time Broncos taken in each round of the NFL Draft

By Matthew Nagashima

Jan 31, 1999; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Denver Broncos tight end #84 Shannon Sharpe catches a pass over the middle during Super Bowl XXXIII against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Falcons 34-19 earning their second consecutive Super Bowl title. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports © Copyright USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 1999; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Denver Broncos tight end #84 Shannon Sharpe catches a pass over the middle during Super Bowl XXXIII against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Falcons 34-19 earning their second consecutive Super Bowl title. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports © Copyright USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 30: Linebacker Jim Ryan of the Denver Broncos sacks quarterback Mark Malone #16 of the Pittsburgh Steelers as Rubin Carter (L), Steve Busick #58 and Tom Jackson #57 of the Broncos and Mike Webster #52 of the Steelers pursue the play during a playoff game at Mile High Stadium on December 30, 1984 in Denver, Colorado. The Steelers defeated the Broncos 24-17. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

DT Rubin Carter – 5th Round, 1975

The Orange Crush defense signaled the arrival of the Denver Broncos as a premiere franchise in the NFL. The man, literally in the middle of it all was Miami product Rubin Carter. The stalwart nose tackle played 12 seasons in Orange & Blue, from the tail end of the Floyd Little years in his 1975 rookie season, through the beginning of John Elway’s career until 1986.

In that time, he was the keystone of this defensive front at Nose Tackle in the signature 3-4 look. Flanked by guys like Barney Chavous and Lyle Alzado, he was charged with soaking up blockers, but could get to the QB too.

With the release of the Pre-1982 sack totals, we now know that Rubin Carter notched 30.0 sacks in his career, and also scooped up 13 fumble recoveries. He was an All-Pro selection in 1977, and in addition to being a founding member of the Orange Crush, played in both the 77′ and 86′ Super Bowls. Carter was an integral piece of this team for over a decade, and is without a doubt the finest Nose Tackle in franchise history.

Any opposing RB from 1975-1986 would have had to run by Carter to pick up yards, and more often than not, they didn’t get very far.

Honorable Mentions

OT Ken Lanier – 1981

RB Sammy Winder – 1982

DB Mike Harden – 1980

DL Malik Jackson – 2012

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