Broncos Nab 4 Of The Top 50 Draft Steals Of All Time

by John Bena on Apr 18, 2008 7:05 PM MDT in Strictly My Opinion Comment 12 comments

The Broncos have had their share of draft busts, like many teams. There have also been some gems, diamonds in the rough so to speak, that have graced the playing fields of Mile High Stadium and Ivesco Field. ESPN broke some of the best "hidden gems in draft history, listing them from 1 to 50. Incredibly for the Broncos they have 4 members of the Top 50, including 2 of the top 6 --

4. TE Shannon Sharpe (Savannah State)
Drafted by: Broncos, seventh round, No. 192 overall, 1990
The eight-time Pro Bowler caught 815 passes for 10,060 yards and 62 TDs during his 14-year career with the Broncos and Ravens. He was a pivotal part of three Super Bowl championships with Denver (two) and Baltimore (one).

6. RB Terrell Davis (Georgia)
Drafted by: Broncos, sixth round, No. 196 overall, 1995
Injuries shortened Davis' career considerably, but he still managed three Pro Bowls and four 1,000-yard seasons (including 2,008 yards rushing in 1998), and earned two Super Bowl rings (MVP of Super Bowl XXXII). Not bad for a guy chosen one pick after Dino Philyaw.

30. LB Karl Mecklenburg (Minnesota)
Drafted by: Broncos, 12th round, No. 310 overall, 1983
Mecklenburg lasted as many seasons in the NFL as he did rounds in the draft. He also reached half that number in Pro Bowl appearances (6). Not bad for a little-known linebacker who started at Augustana College in South Dakota before transferring to Minnesota.

39. CB Tyrone Braxton (North Dakota State)
Drafted by: Broncos, 12th round, No. 334 overall, 1987
Braxton was just one pick away from being the last pick in the 1987 draft. He responded by putting together a 12-year career with the Broncos and Dolphins, intercepting 36 passes, reaching a Pro Bowl and winning two Super Bowl rings in Denver.

Personally, any guy drafted in a round that no longer exists, like Mecklenburg or Braxton, each drafted in the 12th Round, is that much more impressive to me.

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TD

All you have to do is mention Terrell "TD" Davis and I'm hooked.

It seems like the 49ers, Eagles, and Steelers have the most ESPN deemed "Top 50 Steals." Four's not a bad number to have. At least the Broncs made the list and how can you not with guys like those.

Who's signature is that by the way? Davis to the Hall! Amen!

by phantom818 on Apr 18, 2008 7:36 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

The signature is mine

My Broncos History really starts with Davis. He was such a beast in College I swore I would root for the team who drafted him forever. Let it be known at that point I was hoping Seasttle would pick him up. Since that day, ORANGE & BLUE till I die. and as you say amen to the following...

Davis to the Hall!

by Jon Tollerud on Apr 19, 2008 9:50 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I still think Tom Nalen should have

been on that list. Oh well.

Zapparulez's MHR Homepage

by Tim Lynch on Apr 18, 2008 8:28 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Marshall and Thomas

Someday, Brandon Marshall, Marcus Thomas, Elvis Dumervil, and Chris Kuper have the potential to be on the list of draft steals. Only time will tell. But in this decade, Denver has unfortunately had more busts, like Middlebrooks and Foster.

by PABlzrfn on Apr 19, 2008 1:51 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

what's sad is 3 of 4 are pre Shanny....

and nothing since 1995. I am liking what has been drafted since 2006. 10 years is long enough to suffer bad drafts.

fader nation is a conquered nation

by mdierk on Apr 19, 2008 6:41 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Flawed list

Hard to believe that the list included third round picks. Third round and even 4th round are NOT late steals in the draft; Especially when we had drafts that were 12, 17, 24 rounds or more. These guys picked in the 3rd and 4th were obvious talents to go where they did. Sure there were many busts taken above them and these guys were passed over, but the same is true in the first round as well. Often, the 5th round and later players turn out to be just bodies that the teams use to force competition in camp. The real steals are in the 5th round and later when a great player emerges. And where should a guy that was never drafted be ranked like: Rod Smith, Willie Brown, Dick "Night Train" Lane, Priest Holmes.

More arguments can be made for many of the so called steals for the guys not on it. How could Trent Green be a greater steal in round 8 than Johnny Unitas taken in the 9th? Johnny U wasn't even on the list. Another ESPN blunder.

JL Cozy

by Denver Fan since 69 on Apr 19, 2008 12:31 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Solid...

I have to admit that most of ESPN's lists are flawed, but anytime the network gives a Bronco any sort of due it's news....

Welcome to the MHR, by the way!!!

-TSG

www.milehighreport.com

by John Bena on Apr 19, 2008 3:47 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Newbie

Thanks TSG, glad to be aboard.

JL Cozy

by Denver Fan since 69 on Apr 19, 2008 11:54 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Davis

I remember when I found out we drafted him. In 95, we didn't have ESPN2 where we lived yet, so I didn't see the second day of the draft. The next day, I remember reading the paper after one of my classes, and I noticed the name "Terrell Davis, RB, Georgia" on the Broncos list. I was thinking, who the heck is that? I had never heard of him. And then, low and behold, he turns into a star. I think he should have been the second biggest steal. Brady was the first, but if someone else would have taken him, he would have never been what he is today.

by PABlzrfn on Apr 19, 2008 1:28 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

TD

Living here in SD, I remember the big deal was made of him being drafted by an AFC West opponent. They very nicely bagged on how he was on the Long Beach State team with George Allen then after he passed they shut down the football program and finally when to UGA, not a stellar career. But remember he backed up Garrison Hearst and was in Roy Goff's doghouse. But his last 2 games were good enough for him to be invited to the all star games. But he had all the tools just needed the right system. But how can a 3rd or 4th round pick be a steal? If you are slted to go that high you are not a steal. A steal should be 5th round or later. Again ESPN blows

by broncfanstuckinsd on Apr 19, 2008 2:57 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Another TD post

I have to say it…If TD doesn’t deserve HoF consideration at least, and I believe he deserves a bronze bust, then they might as well tear down the building and put up a Wal-Mart.

Elway is in, Zimm is in but don't forget: Randy Gradishar, Steve Atwater & Terrel Davis

by BlueNOrangeNIdaho on Apr 21, 2008 10:47 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs