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're now into the Top-5. As many have said in the comments, this list really is interchangeable. You could easily slide guys up and down the list based on your preference. There is no right or wrong. For me, the further we moved into the present day, the bigger the impact a Draft bust will have - considering all the scouting and background work goes into the Draft. Perhaps that is the reason our next bust actually came in higher than Ted Gregory.
#4 - Dan Williams, DE - Toledo(1993, 1st Round, 11th Overall)
What determines a bust? I guess we each have our own definition. For me, there are factors that weigh heavily. One, of course, is whether or not the guy ever got on the field. We've seen a couple of those already. Another factor is what the Broncos did, if anything, to acquire the player. That brings us to Williams, whom the Broncos selected with the #11 overall pick after swapping picks - and sending a 3rd Round pick - with the Cleveland Browns.
In three seasons with the Rockets, Williams recorded 256 tackles, 60 tackles for a loss, 28 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He was a two-time All-MAC first-teamer.
However Williams’ first three seasons in the NFL were injury plagued , before finally becoming a starter in 1996. His career numbers with the Broncos - 39 games, 4 sacks - was hardly Top-11 material.
Williams wasn't retained after the 1996 season and he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. It was with the Broncos' rival that Williams experienced some success. In parts of 3 seasons with the Chiefs, Williams amassed 23 sacks in 25 games. While he never did live up to his Draft position, Williams had an impact somewhere, just not Denver, leading to his inclusion to the list.
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