The Denver Broncos have had their share of ups and downs in the NFL Draft. Over the next few weeks, we'll look at the highest of highs and lowest of lows. We'll start with the Top-10 Draft Busts in Broncos history, followed by the Top-10 Draft picks in team history. Agree or disagree, this will help us pass the time as we march full-steam ahead towards the 2011 NFL Draft.
We move on to #5 which gives us an opportunity to remember that Broncos draft busts were not exclusive to Mike Shanahan or any coach for that matter. We already pointed out Tommy Maddox as a bust during the Dan Reeves era, and while Maddox was surely a rotten pick for the Broncos he did go on and have a career in the NFL. The next bust on our list did not.
#5 - Ted Gregory, NT - Syracuse(1988, 1st Round, 26th Overall)
I am sure many of you know more about the Gregory pick that I do, so I welcome your memories in the comments. What I remember about Gregory's selection - the fact that Dan Reeves didn't so much as meet or talk to Gregory before the draft. Gregory was a solid college player at Syracuse, but there were question marks - specifically about steroids and injury issues to Gregory's knee.
It didn't take the Broncos long to realize they made a mistake.
With knee issues plaguing Gregory - as well as the Broncos own questions about Gregory's steroid use - the Broncos traded Gregory to the New Orleans Saints. Gregory's NFL career from there lasted just 3 games. His one sack, ironically, came in his final game - against John Elway and the Denver Broncos. Gregory's knee finally failed that day ending his career.
His life since has been troubled. You can read about it in a story published in the New York Daily News. It is a sad, but all too familiar tale of life after football for many players.
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