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 --
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.