Terrell Davis. Shannon Sharpe. Steve Atwater. Randy Gradishar. Tom Jackson. Karl Mecklenburg. Tom Nalen. Louis Wright. Lyle Alzado. Rick Upchurch.
They are some of the best players to ever don a Broncos uniform. None were picked higher than the 14th overall selection in the NFL draft, and one was picked as late as the 310th overall selection in the 12th round.
Not coincidentally, they are all up for consideration to be named one of the 75 Most Valuable Draft Picks in league history.
Fans can vote on NFL.com now — voting ends April 18 — choosing between pairs of players randomly generated from a list of 320 all-time most valuable draft picks as chosen by NFL.com editors. After choosing the winners of 30 random matchups, fans can begin to build their own Top 10 list, and continue voting from there to alter their top 10.
Afterwards, you can share your lists and head-to-head winners on Facebook. So when you’re done voting, be sure to share your lists on the Broncos’ official Facebook page.
Following the conclusion of the fan vote, picks 11 through 75 will be announced from April 19 to April 22 on NFL.com and NFL Network. The top 10 greatest Draft picks then will be revealed during the 2010 NFL Draft. The top 10 will be announced during the first round of the draft, which begins Thursday, April 22 at 5:30 p.m. MST. The actual order of the top 10 will be revealed at the conclusion of the second round of the draft on Friday night.
Speaking of the draft, NFL.com recently released its list of the top undrafted players of all time.
Among the names is Willie Brown at No. 5. Brown was signed by the Broncos as a free agent in 1963 and played 50 games in his four seasons with the club. He intercepted 15 passes in Denver — nine of which came in his rookie season — and was named the outstanding back in the AFL All-Star game in January 1965. Now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Brown spent most of his career with the Oakland Raiders after being traded in 1967.
The next notable Bronco to make the list is Cornell Green at No. 10. He spent his playing career with the Dallas Cowboys after being named a two-time All-American basketball player at Utah State. He didn’t play any college football, but went on to snag 34 career interceptions and earn seven trips to the Pro Bowl. He played cornerback for his first 10 years in the league and switched to safety for his final four, making the Pro Bowl at each position.
Where do the Broncos come in, you ask? Green began scouting for the Cowboys as an active player in 1970, and continued to do so for nine years before entering private business. But in 1987, Green came to the Broncos as a scout. In 2010, he enters his 31st year scouting in the NFL and his 24th season doing so for the Broncos. He has been a scouting consultant for the past six years for the club, and has scouted the Southwest, South, East and Midwest regions throughout his career with the Broncos.
Vice President of Corporate Communications Jim Saccomano wrote a blog about Green earlier this season, as the Broncos were preparing to play the Cowboys.
But there’s one more Bronco on the list of the top undrafted players of all time — Rod Smith. He made the top 50, as he is the all-time leading receiver among undrafted players.
And finally, while we’re on the topic, just ran across something that was posted in the offseason last year, but just wanted to post it again here in case you missed it. NFL.com put together the “ultimate” first-round draft class, picking only the best players to ever be selected at a certain spot.
For example, John Elway was voted the best No. 1 draft pick of all time. Others receiving votes included Peyton Manning, Bruce Smith, Earl Campbell, Terry Bradshaw and Chuck Bednarik.
The Broncos had two more players mentioned on the list — Steve Atwater received votes as the best No. 20 draft pick of all time, but lost out to former Packers tackle Forrest Gregg, and Randy Gradishar was up for consideration as the best No. 14 pick of all time, but lost out to former Bills quarterback Jim Kelly.
Just some fun updates to get excited for the upcoming NFL Draft, which runs from April 22 to April 24. The first round will be held Thursday, April 22, rounds 2 and 3 will be on Friday, April 23 and rounds 4-7 will close out the draft on Saturday, April 24.
-Gray Caldwell, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: Cornell Green, John Elway, Karl Mecklenburg, Louis Wright, Lyle Alzado, NFL Draft, Randy Gradishar, Rick Upchurch, Rod Smith, Shannon Sharpe, Steve Atwater, Terrell Davis, Tom Jackson, Tom Nalen, Willie Brown
Rod Smith only made it in the top 50 for greatest undrafted players
give me a break that makes this list and gil brandt a joke.
GO BRONCOS
Yeah, in the description it even says something like Rod’s the leader of all undrafted WRs of all time… and still he didn’t make 25th??
BS.
Old SouthStander-
Hissy fit? Sure a lot of us are bellyaching about the non-longterm deals, that are not being offered to two of the youngest, brightest STARS in the NFL. Sure from the management standpoint, they dont have to sign them.
But there is another side to it. The players side. No long term deal, no real commitment to the team. You think either of these guys will show up to OTA’s? How about training camp? How about the real possibilty of maybe holding out the season? a la Emmit Smith. Or even worse case, they decide to “play” only to suffer an “injury” and forced to ride the bench. Or they suffer a real injury and then are really screwed. Or, like Rod Woodson pointed out, trading away the talent…Its a disaster. They deserve to be inked long term, or go the way like Hillis and trade them to a team that will give them what they deserve.
Management acts like they dont have the money to pay them. Please. How many consecutive home sellouts are we on????
Whatever though, McD has proved his point. That you cant believe anything he says. And Mr. Bowlen is going back on his word as far as Marshall’s substantial pay raise.
OSS’er, youve been a fan for years. A lot longer than me, and what I dont understand is how most fans are okay with what is going on…
Oh, yeah, its just a business!!!!!!
BTW, did the website forget about daylight savings time??? Its 1:40 pm CST. BTW, Happy St. Patricks Day…..Go Broncos, luck of the Irish!!!!
sndvl -
Nice catch. I thought the system did it automatically, oh well should be fixed.
Good point sndvl,and I’ve been a Broncos fan since 1982,it dosen’t matter how long you been a fan,wrong is wrong,keep it coming,people can say what they want,but we know the right way to treat your players is pay them what they deserve,instead of as little as you can,happy players are productive players,and I think it’s a disgrace that Rod Smith isn’t worthy of at least a top 10 undrafted player.
Spikes is better than McClain. I think he will be just like Jarad Mayo, ranked as a 2nd round pick until right before the draft. The tape between the two isn’t even close.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFqTXa89nGA&feature=related
*atwaters da man*
Of course Spikes looks like an allstar in his homemade highligh reel on youtube. dont get me wrong, i like him as a football player. he is a baller, but to say he is better than McClain is false. McClain’s football IQ is much, much higher and he has better character to boot.
Yea i was surprised by the Rod Smith thing. He def should be top 25, but maybe we are biased….jsut glad he was somehow recognized.
Take spikes? I dunno…
Florida ILB Brandon Spikes was unable to break 5.0 seconds in the forty-yard dash at the Gators’ Wednesday Pro Day.
His unofficial times were 5.02 and 5.08. Spikes is a big hitter with playmaking cover skills, but his forty will haunt him on draft weekend. Once thought to be a late first-round prospect, he may now struggle to go in the second.
And people said McClain was slow…at leas he ran sub 4.7 at his proday lol
Im a firm believer that times at the combine don’t correlate into success on the field (Heyward Bey and other endless examples), but unfortunatley scouts and coaches dont all see it that way…Spikes’ time will hurt him but it wont be his ultimate downfall (the risk/reward factor between his production and bad character will be).
And yes McClain ran a sub 4.7, but he also weighed in close to 260 lbs.
Impressive…he is a fantastic athlete and if we end up getting him at 11 we will be in pretty good shape.
uggg, if we had taking cushings and or orakpo last year, we coulda waited til this year to take our RB…lotta good ones…And while i know we gave dire need in other areas….I want Jahvid Best in the second round if he is available…playmaking RB….and KR. Let royal play recieving more. But i like Jacoby Ford too….those two are my fave playmakers in the draft…
Masturch
I agree about combine aint everythign but gotta see that athleticism…
and to see a big guy liek McClain run a sub 4.7 speaks alot for his size. Especially since peopel doubted his speed. That plus the fact that (like u mentioned) his football IQ is impressive, makes him not just a physical specimen, but a smart player, a leader, and a guy of great character…sounds like McDs kinda guy….sounds like anyones kinda guy. Not hyping the man, he is just a risk like any other draft pick but i also believe he is better than spikes….
Glad to get the convo started. I really wanted Patrick Willis the year we got Moss! That was a painful draft : ( Everyone is really high on McClain he is almost 6’4 260 etc, etc but I have been studying both McClain and Spikes and I don’t see McClain as the next Willis. From what I have seen Spikes is solid. I really like J Best as well!! This is a really deep draft I hope the Brass makes some good choices.
I have been biting my tongue since jan. about comments made on this blog. First of all to all those that think some how marshall needs to go
for what ever reason I would like to know who you would bring in to be the number 1 reciever because right now with out him we don’t have one
Second for those who think knowshon is a bust it’s been 1 year and he came close 1000 yds rushing the third down question first ask yourself how many times did he hit behind the line on third down I would first question play calling and then look at line blocking from guard to guard
to be specific. Last but not least for those who think we need gerhart over
an Ilb all I will say is please! haggen is not the answer.
GO BRONCOS
Rod Smith was not drafted, As great as he is, he can’t be amoung the top of those drafted
lets not forget according to mclain he ran that sub 4.7 while still recovering from a hamstring issue. reminds you of a urlaucher style of line backer physical and fast, I am sure this makes me a minority, but rod smith played showed up to training camp worked his butt off every year he played is a great person on and off the field and got paid, sammy winder was the same way had a great career as a bronco but for every player who had a fast start and had on and off field issues does not deserve the same respect as players like karl M. john E, sammy W. randy G you get what i mean marshall has the same attitude great talent, no brains remember bobby humphries good start thought he was bigger than the team gone clinton portis same thing tatum bell I like MCds attitude no one is above the team why do you think the vet’s like him a team win’s not a single person If brandon is so dam good why will no one give a first round pick for a pro bowler
Good points Blum.
This is the way I see the whole Marshall fiasco. We did him a favor by only putting a 1st round tender on him. If he had a 1 and a 3 he could say “you didn’t let me test the Market.” Now the Market will help carve out a contract that both the organization is happy with and Marshall is happy with. He is not going anywhere and if he does we will be highly compensated.
Just a year ago Quinn and 1 first round pick almost happened. Instead we got two 1st’s, a 3rd and Quinn for a 5th and basically three 7th round draft picks.
We got high character player in the Draft last year and is was really a Red Shirt year for most of them. Now hopefully they are each working very hard as we speak perfecting their craft and will step up this year.
I like all of the off season moves besides Andra Davis. I don’t get that move at all? The only thing I can think of is that Wesley Woodyard is going to add 5-10lbs of muscle and will weigh in at 240 at the start of training camp.
I agree with Atwaters recent post and blum
I also think Moreno will be great…Im just a big Jahvid Best fan (playmaking Rb and KR/PR). Moreno reminds me of TD and woulda excelled in shanahans system. The fault lies in play calling, blocking scheme and then the Oline. Because it was the same oline we used the year before that Cutler only got sacked 11 times…this year, Orton got sacked 29 TIMES!!! thats not a slip thats an avalanche…and sure some of it is Ortons lack of Mobility but also the blocking scheme, not just the blockers….
Calidaved,
I believe peopel are mad about Rod Smith when it comes to the undrafted category not the drafted category….he was like number 40 or something
I’m down for Mclain,,if a big body like that runs that fast,,thats a machine in a 3-4…IMO
Recent news!!!!!,,,Eagles released All-Pro guard Shaun Andrews…would it make sense to go after if he is cheaper?????
Rod shoulda cracked the top 20 IMO.
Andrews sounds like a good player but a possible mental case
If Shaun Andrew passes the physical or what not (because he had surgery on his back)…I say get him…he is a probowl guard that is only 27 and we need that position more than ever….I say sign him, but then again, we are being penny pinchers this year….actually we are being penny pincher for inside talent but for outside talent we are dropping money so its possible. That would be 1 less position we have to look at in the Draft. So, I would be all for it
Derrick
Just read up more on him…he does seem like he could be a head case…i guess we will see how this thing unfolds…Also, since his back to back pro bowls ’06 & ’07 he hasnt played a full season. Durability will be an issue liek it was for the eagles. But like I said, if he passes his physical or w/e…sure why not…
SNDVL:
I’m not okay with it any more than you are, but I do see where management is coming from. I suspect that here’s a lot of management hesitation to sign Doom, B Marsh or any of the other Broncos top players to long term contracts right now. I’m sure that the assorted Broncos players rep will insist on some guaranteed money. With the possibility of a lock out/strike/replacement players season looming, guaranteed money certainly isn’t the best economic move that the Broncos, or any team, could make at this juncture.
If it was a perfect world, the NFL and NFLPA would extract their collective head out of their butts and sign a long term contract that is equitable to management, current players and, most important of all, retired players.
But, I’m not holding my breath.
I dont think i understand how this all works so i really dunno what to say. For example, all the free agents we have signed this year, we didnt just sign em for 1 year, we signed em for like 3-5 years. So they got long term contracts. sooo….if theres a lock out or wateva wateva next year, wouldnt signign free agents to long term contracts be just as bad? Maybe im not getting everything. Maybe im missing something. or is it just as equally a problem, but since they have dumervil and Marshall by the nuts, they decide they will just put it off for another year. ughhh, the business side of football gives me a headache, thats why I dont feel bad for management when players act out at times. But to most fans when Teams screw players over its business but when players hold out or look out fo rtheir future it is selfishness/not being a team player….Just don’t get it. I guess this is just one of them it is what it is things lol
Here is a question for you guys/girls:
I have seen 4 different players “mocked” to us in recent versions of Mock Drafts – McClain, ILB Alabama, Williams, DT Tennessee, Bryant, WR Oklahoma State, and Haden, CB Florida
Which would everyone prefer to spend our #11 pick on, here is my take on each:
McClain – Would be great opposite DJ but at same time he also has been out of place in both run and pass (also has Crohn’s)
Williams – Could learn from the other Williams and also rotate in to keep Williams healthy
Bryant – NO WAY! If Marshall has character issues what does someone who lied to the NCAA have?
Haden – Champ and Goodman are getting up there, do we really have a true shutdown corner after that? Smith the half pint? I dont think so…how is Smith supposed to defend people 6 inches taller?
Personally I would be fine with all of them but my preference goes:
Trade Down to get more picks and draft Pouncey
Williams
McClain
Haden
I agree with u Cody but who do u trade our pick down too?
Cody,
In a perfect world we can have all. But here goes
McClain – My personal fave for the 11 pick. About 6’4 260 and still posted a sub 4.7 40 when everyone thought he would be slow. Sure he has Chrons disease…but he has had it since highschool and it hasn’t affected his performance. Jay Cutler is getting by with Diabetes not the same thing but u know. Its doable. But i can see why its a question mark. Football IQ is impressive and he is a leader. and he is a total package in coverage and run stop.
Bryant – As the biggest Marshall fan I know, ill pass. Marshall is proven and still young. All WRs are Divas…so why drop a proven Diva to get an unproven diva with “character issues”.
Williams – Would like him but more a luxury at this point than a neccesity. Since we have done the line this FA even more unlikely, but i like the idea of him learning from the veteran williams. But we have to take care of here and now.
Haden – Same thing. Champ is getting older…He is not at the point where he starts dropping to second CB or Nickle. People like him and Dawk can do it for a while. We can get another 4 or so good years from Champ. Would be a waste to use the 1st pick on a guy that may not start for like 2 years. And Phonzie was the biggest mistake. if we didnt get him, we coulda gotten both Mclain and Haden this year. Or McClain and Williams. Patience is a virtue….
Just my opinion. I am fine with any of them. but if u are curious, order goes McClain, Pouncey, Williams, Haden. But i am happy with any of them
Phonzy needs 5+ picks this year to redeem himself. It might be too soon to waste a 1st rounder on a solid CB this year. Lets see how his season pans out then judge him.
think i would like to see mcclain then williams. a center and a guard somewhere other then that i dont care! just win man… WIN!!
I still go with the idea of trading with GB. (our #11 for their 24th and G Stanley Daniels.) Use the 24th pick for Pouncey. Sign Doom and BMarsh to 5 yr deals. Move Larsen to ILB. Use all other draft picks for younger defensive players to develop for the future.
the thing about the crohns disease is that it can be controlled for years with no prob and then all the sudden become VERY serious!! ulcers in the intestines severely bloody diarrhea leading to anemia… etc.. etc…so i think that will come into play as far as he goes. i still would take him but i would certainly wana structure his contract to protect the franchise! 11th pick money is nothin to bat an eye at!!
I wonder if the Bears put Jay’s diabetes in to consideration when they signed him to that huge deal last year?
derrick149-
you are all right in my book, with that type of thinking.
OSS’er-
thanks for clarifying your position.
TRB-
it is what it is. but it SO does not have to be this way.
florio-
if half pint can make a couple of open field tackles…
Kyle-
I thought maybe Colorado did away with daylight savings time. LOL. Or that my watch was way off!!!
Everybody else…for more info on Crohns disease here is a link provided by webmd
http://www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-disease/crohns-disease/default.htm
I really dont get the Spencer Larsen ILB fascination but whatever works. I personally think he is a special teamer…Barrett is Tall Big, FAST, Hits like semi but still doesnt play safety. Just like LB there is more to it that just hitting. But if it works…sure w/e im for it. If its Hagan sure.
RayJ
Dont u have a new name or something wRay or something like that…STOP CONFUSING US. lol. Didnt know Crohns disease could get that bad. I dunno. Guess they would have to take it into seirous consideration. Guess we will see how it all unfolds.
Whats not to like concerning Larsen? Dude plays offense/defense and special teams. TRB, try to think of it in terms comparable to your fascination with Marshall. Or better yet, find that game against ATL and watch…BTW, Madden ratings are biased!!!
LOL. Look at sndvl multitasking.
All i remember is phonzy getting owned in the raiders game. He was advertised as one of the best coverage guys in the draft, but I don’t think he did.
I used to think Madden Ratings were Biased until I found out that Andrew, one of the leading guys in ratings and stuff IS A BRONCOS FAN!!! Now if he was a Raiders fan, ok. But I doubt a Broncos fan would do that to us. But i do think we get screwed some how tho.
My comparison was Barrett another hard hitter. Not just hard hitting but tall and super fast. All i was trying to point out that there is more to the position than hitting hard. But I get your fascination, wouldn’t compare it to Marshalls since he is proven, more like to Hillis who has possible potential which is all Larsen has….not to put him down or anything. Just not a believer but if it works….I go with the flow…
Hey, I just want Larsen to get his chance…like Marshall!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ankz_IobV6c&NR=1
In Honor of the man many of us believed got screwed on the best undrafted list. Wasnt as physically gifted as Marshall but this man was a straight Baller. His work ethic and commitment to the Broncos is almost unmatched. He is just truly blessed. From undrafted to best undrafted WR of all time (hope miles austin doesn’t mess that up), and even superbowl rings…things alot of people never get. He was humble and did whatever was needed from blocking, to punt return, to chasing down Julius peppers all the way to the 5 yard line (I know we all remember that one lol). More players really need to be just like him. I was a Rod finatic the same way I am a Marshall finatic now. What can I say. I got a thing for WRs lol. In Rod We Trust.
TRB that was a great video. In Rod We Trust. One of the great ones
That was AWESOME. Pulls on the heart strings a little though. I miss those glory days man. We are very lucky to have a man like that play for our team. I wish today’s players had half the character that Rod Smith does. You can definately tell how passionate he was and how proud he was to be a Denver Bronco.
Big D 44,
You forgot to say how proud he is to still be a Bronco. SuperRod spent his personal time last year to reach out and help Marshall. Rod will always be a Bronco. Just like TJ, JE & TD…. one team players….
I LOVE ME SOME ROD SMITH!!!
Yup OC
He was even still on the sidelines during home games this year talking to Brandon Marshall about routes and stuff. Even under the new regime…Cant get rid of Rod lol. McD woulda liked Rod. Heck everyone likes Rod lol
Cheers… You are right Orange Crusher. You couldn’t ask for a better role model to have around the team.
Does anyone think we need to add some WEAPONS to help out the “dink and dunk”? Go Broncos!!!
I think with Royal, Marsh, Moreno and Scheff we have plenty of weapons. We jus need a stronger armed QB than Orton to get the ball to them and a better O-line to keep the QB upright. Thats why I like the Quinn trade and hope they get Daniels from GB and Pouncey out of the draft
I say we keep marshal, draft mcclain with #11 and use the rest of the picks for o-line and our other needs.
too bad we couldnt have Rod in his prime on the other side of Marshall