Since this is defensive back week here on the Denver Broncos web site, with the site taking a hard look at the cornerbacks and safeties eligible for the 2011 National Football League draft, I thought I would look back on the best defensive backs ever drafted by the franchise.
In my opinion, with some miscellaneous personal memories thrown in, the six best players ever drafted by Denver as defensive backs are these:
Billy Thompson, drafted in the third round in 1969. A member of the Broncos’ Ring of Fame, BT started out at cornerback before setting into his safety position. To this day, he remains the only player ever to lead the league—he led the American Football League—in punt and kickoff returns in the same season (1969). “Bronco Billy” had 61 career turnovers and is the NFL’s all-time leader in opponent fumbles returned for touchdowns, with four.
He was my wife’s favorite player for years well beyond his retirement. A team captain, he always played and led like one. Billy was a vital member of the first Super Bowl team in 1977.
Louis Wright was the Broncos’ number one draft choice in 1975 and he too is in the team’s Ring of Fame. A great cornerback who truly deserves induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, according to some voters whom I shall not name, he routinely took away an entire half of the field from the other team’s passing attack. A great cover corner, he was also a fearless hitter and a tremendous special teams player.
I remember that during the 1977 run to the Super Bowl the Broncos had just about secured a win in Kansas City, with just one more punt to the Chiefs. Unfortunately for Denver, the Chiefs’ punt return man jumped out the pack and was heading for the game-winning touchdown. But fortunately for Denver, the player chasing him was Louis Wright, a great track star at San Jose State. Wright caught him just before he scored and the Broncos had a goal line stand to preserve the win. But no Wright, no win in KC.
It was so common after a big play by the defense at Mile High Stadium that it seemed the crowd was booing. They were not booing, they were shouting, “Loooooie.” He still looks like he did then. An astonishing physique that makes it look like he can still play.
Drafted the same year as Louis Wright was Steve Foley, in the eighth round, the first pick on the draft’s second day, in 1975. He was the 199th player selected, and the Wright/Foley combo is the best Denver has ever done in one draft at the defensive backfield. Steve is the Broncos’ all-time interception leader with 44 and was named to the team’s 50-year all-star team.
I can remember talking to a member of the Broncos organization (I was a radio announcer in 1975) the morning of the second day of that year’s draft. I asked if the team was looking for anyone in the eighth round, and was told that “there is a quarterback at Tulane whom we think might be able to play a little safety.” Foley had been a college quarterback and had never played safety in his life. But he played more than “a little” for the Broncos. Plus, one of my all-time favorite guys. A complete stand up guy.
In 1981 Dan Reeves made his first number one draft choice a great safety from USC, Dennis Smith. Dennis Smith also would go on to be a Ring of Famer for the team and a key cornerstone to the defense that helped the Broncos go to three Super Bowls in the 1980’s.
Denver was the only AFC team to go to three Super Bowls that decade, and Smith was renowned for his great hits in the secondary. Boy, did he hit for keeps, and Dennis paid a price for it.
He played the game with a raw fury, like he was settling a personal grudge with someone who had trespassed on his space. I remember once that his lovely wife Andre’ told me that on Monday mornings after a game, when Dennis got out of the bed, the sheets did too. They were stuck to him in the spots where he had bled on them overnight. Some wives help their husbands get out of bed. Andre’ Smith helped to peel her husband out of bed. Then he came to work, and she washed the sheets. And then he went out and hit the same way the next week.
In 1987 the second to the last pick taken in the entire draft, selection number 334 (334!) was a skinny defensive back out of North Dakota State named Tyrone Braxton. Too short, too slow, too light, but all he ever did was make plays—big plays—for championship teams. Tyrone’s North Dakota State team won three national championships while he was playing there, and he was a key starter on the Denver defense for AFC championship teams here in 1987 and 1989, and for the back to back world championship teams in 1997 and 1998.
So his career brought him seven rings in college and pro football, a total that not very many players, if any, can claim. He was a polular player who deserved his popularity, always great with the fans and another stand up guy with the media. “Chicken” might have looked small, but appearances were never more deceiving. Tyrone Braxton was all player.
And the most recent of the great defensive backfield draftees by Denver was Steve Atwater, the smiling assassin. He was the number one draft choice out of Arkansas in 1989 and was a cornerstone at safety for the Broncos, ultimately ending his career in the Ring of Fame as well.
The great victory by the Broncos over Green Bay in Super Bowl XXXII was immortalized by Pat Bowlen’s postgame comment that “This one’s for John,” and the Most Valuable Player deservedly was running back Terrell Davis, who scored three touchdowns leading the Super Bowl win in his hometown of San Diego.
But Atwater was a devastating force all day long, both in the secondary and rushing passer for a Denver defense that bent some but would not break. Atwater might have had the best performance ever by a safety in a Super Bowl game to that point, and it was a key to Denver’s win.
So that group of six includes four Ring of Fame members, and Foley and Braxton.
We’ll see if anyone comes out of this year’s draft to challenge for membership in that club.
You never know.
Tags: Billy Thompson, Dennis Smith, Louis Wright, Steve Atwater, Steve Foley, Tyrone Braxton
At DT we are the weakest than any other position and we cut two DT`s awhile back. It`s obvious.
My one concern for Fairley is his character. Other than that he`s gonna be fine.
Thanx for the info Baylin!
Freak30, as well I am very exited of having Ayers on our DL(playing his natural DE position) and I believe his production on the line would be a lot more valuable for us! I think he has a smell for the running plays and seems to get a hand on the runner very often(when healthy), sometimes tackles for lost, which is awesome! Am I the only one that believes this???
I also think the TT vs Orton debate is kind of old, but c’mon, this is the offseason and we still have almost 6 weeks to go before the draft!
As for the CBA, I’m on the owners side if I have to pick a side, I truly believe they are the ones making most of the efforts to get a deal done and continue negotiation until then! I bet the offer presented to the NFLPA was fair enough to make a deal but they still turned it down…
PP at #2, if not, Dareus!!!!!
Go Broncos on 2011, ALL DEFENSE on the draft!
I was considering drafting a TE this year but despite of what he would bring to the table, there are MUCH more important holes to fill on defense than filling on offense, especially if you are transitioning from 3-4 to 4-3… Our Offense could still be very dangerous without that TE we hve been talking about, besides looks like we are going to run the ball a bunch of times(mening that TE’s would likely get less chances to be directly involve on offense) and if Tebow starts, he would not post many over 300 yds games looks like!
Bottom line, I think our offense could still operate at a high level even without that TE, just fix the defense as much as we can this year… Besides, the only TE really worth to take with a good pick is Rudolph, and a 2nd rounder on a TE seems very unlikely(I think fox wouldn’t go that way), and that’s if he is not taken before, all other TE’s doesn’t convince me to spend a draft pick on them, even Stocker…
Obvisously I’m not the same as everyone else, but my board for Denver goes:
1. D. Bowers
2. P. Peterson
3. V. Miller
4. M. Dareus
I think I could be happy with any of these players, but I don’t think there is a, “Can’t Miss” prospect among them! In fact I think this is one of the WEAKEST DRAFT CLASSES I can remember in recent history. The only thing weaker than the Defensive Draft this year is the “Off-ense” in the 2011 Draft class.
That being said I think since we have the second pick overall we should be able to at least get a player and hopefully a PLAY MAKER!!!
hey guys by the way, this is a blog for “Memories of Our Six Best DB Draftees” we could be including Peterson in this blog on the future haha
I’ll take that anytime!!!
Well, Peterson=Playmaker to me “true”! LOL
Conflicting reports about P2′s pro day Eh!
TRB states we were there. Baylin counters we weren’t.
Cmon Carolina draft Dareus!!!!!
Oh, happy 1st birthday to my son, the lil BroncoBubba!!!!!!!!!
2Ps = D in 11
DenverPost says we didn`t go to PP pro day. So I`ll go with the Post.
When I read DP this morning, was wondering what TRB was referring too.
Happy 1st birthday to your son sndvl!
I think they will keep it close to the vest until the day of the draft, but the Broncos have a way of keeping a POKER FACE about who they will take usually.
But this an unsual year having the number 2 PICK and we don’t have much to lose by announcing who we will take – as long as Carolina goes QB at there pick.
Anyway, as mention we did not go to TEBOW’s Pro Day last year either!
We have 44 more days to debate on as to who we select as our #2 pick overall. Do not trade down. Dareus all the way!
strand – who do you think Broncos will take with 2 picks in 2nd round?
I hope we go Fairley he was very dominate in college and has really quick feet (you can’t teach that). Also just because Dareus was bigger in the draft does not necessarily make him better. You all agreed before the combine that the combine should not alter your picks besides the one part we don’t get to see, the interviews. There was a huge Fairley train before the combine and it seems I am the only one left on it. Also would like to point out that Fairley that he had a better vertical jump by like 2 or 3 inches meaning he is more explosive.
On 2nd thought I guess we better save that for our mock draft this year strand.
People weren’t even talking about Fairley until after the BCS Championship Game! As I recall before that they had Denver taking Bowers and I was a happy camper.
Anyway, I think Fairley played an outstanding game during the chapionship, but one game does not define a player – I try to look at an entire college career.
That also been my knock on Dareus – he had the most sacks in the SEC last season, but only 11 in his enntire college career. My problem with Perterson is I’m not sure he can transition to the NFL – when he played top talent he stuggled and he even said you play people like that every week in the NFL.
I know my opinion is just that, but I struggle with the Fairley pick by far the most!!!
Let just pick Fairley in the second round! LOL
hope we draft either peterson or dareus.
i think carolina will take one of those two so we will take witchever of the two is left
My picks at this moment are #36 Kyle Rudolph TE and #46 Greg Jones. This might change when it comes to our draft predictions contest next month. So this is my choices as of today.
I like Rudolph at #36, if he’s still on the board. Also like Wilson at LB, but looks as though he could go late in 1st rd.
Kyle Rudolph seems to be injury prone! And I hope we are still thinking Defense at our second and third pick!!!
This is what my draft would look like for the first 4 rounds if I were in command.
1st round- Nick Fairley (best 4-3 DT in the draft)
2nd round- Rahiem Moore
2nd round- Gregg Jones
3rd round- Cameron Jordan TE USC (reminds me of Antonio Gates)
Also would like to point out one last thing about Fairley. He is said to have the most potential of all the DT’s you guys that think he is going to be a bust think about who our head coach is and how many defensive bust he has ever had? Not many if at all, so why not take the DT with the most potential and let Fox mold him into a defensive Juggernaut?
True2bronco I hate to say it but Bowers only had one good year also, plus he is having knee problems.
Mikey I agree with you, I like Cameron Jordan…I would prefer Peterson over Fairley though…I feel that he’s a big question mark.
I just want a dirty nasty front seven that puts the fear of God in opposing offenses, and I feel like Fairley would be the best to bring us closer to that point.
Yea, but Fairley was only dominant this year, and there is plenty of question as to whether his talent can translate to the NFL…I like what he did in the championship game, but I feel a lot of people only see that and think he is great…I like Fairley, but when it comes to us having the #2 overall pick and not being able to afford to miss, I just don’t see it being a smart move.
Mikeyb1203,
Bowers got most of his SACK after his injury which is a slight (maniscus) knee tear. He is suppose to be back to 100% within 2 months.
If he can lead the league in college with a knee injury – what do you think he could do at 100%??? I do agree that his best year was this past season and that all of the top D-line prospects have that same one (year) hit wonder about them. Dareus only had 11 Sacks his entire college career.
Honestly, I just hope we hit paydirt with whomever we pick at this point! But yeah, Fairley is my least favorite of the big 5 Defensive players:
1. Bowers
2. Peterson
3. Miller
4. Dareus
5. Fairley
AGAIN, I don’t mean to beat a dead horse, but I hope we find a LIVE BRONCOS that can make a HUGE difference on our TEAM!!!
GO BRONCOS!!!
By the way I recently watched tape on Von Miller, and he looks like a serious BALLER!!! We may not get him, but I would not be surprised if he was rookie of the year this next season!!!
He had lots of tackels for a loss and had 17 SACKS!!! The guy can PLAY!!!
whats up with the Broncos looking at Locker?????? Thats a bunch of BS if you ask me. WE DON”T NEED A QB!!!!!! We have Tebow who needs to be given a chance. Tebow is no prototypical QB, but he is a winner. What we need is PATRICK PETERSON!!!!!!!
true2broncos i disagree with you first of all we don’t needa DE we have doom, ayers, and hunter. i do believe bowers will be a good DE in the NFL not only for how he plays the game but for how he conducts himself out of the field, he showed a lot of maturity in his combine interview.
this would be my draft board:
1-Dareus-peterson
3-miller
4-bowers
5-gabbert
i belive carolina will draft peterson so i’m sure we will draft dareus, and have a greate Dline
LE-ayers
DT-vikerson
DT-dareus
RE-doom
But here’s the catch: As good as Peterson is, and as much as he can help a team in the secondary and as a returner, he still plays cornerback. Don’t get it twisted, every team wants a great cornerback – or two or three.
However, as much as a great cornerback like the Jets’ Darrelle Revis can impact a game, they can also be taken out of it. This isn’t my philosophy. This is what coaches and players say. Offenses can avoid elite cornerbacks by running the ball or throwing to other areas of the field. Sure, that makes it a 10-on-10 game. But if an offense feels their 10 is better than yours, they’ll take it. The same philosophy holds for a stud return specialist. Just kick it away from him and you can limit his effectiveness.
An AFC offensive player told me during the season that having to game plan and play against a dominant edge rusher (outside linebacker or end) is far more complicated and challenging than facing a great defensive back. That’s far more than a just a player’s take. Front seven defenders are valued more than cornerbacks.
Steve Wyche says it best about Peterson.
Yeah Melo, thanks, La Canfora reporting:
University of Washington quarterback Jake Locker will conduct private workouts for at least three teams selecting in the first 12 picks at next month’s NFL Draft — the Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans, according to a league source.
It uncomfortably reminds me of when some bloggers said last year that Locker reminded them of Elway…
I just hope he doesn’t remind Elway of Elway….
NO NO NO!!!!!! no one wants Locker! Tebow needs to be given a chance…I have nothing to say. the fact that we are interested is disappointing!
There not going to draft Locker! Everyone take a chill pill. Maybe if he falls to the 5th round, but seriously – Jake Locker was a failure in college! What makes anyone think he’ll be a good NFL QB???
In all honesty, the two players that will most likely be pro bowlers and maybe hof’ers and that have the most potential are Peterson and Miller!!
If Peterson is gone, I wouldn’t mind taking Miller! He is such a leader and could play anywhere as a LB for us! He has the speed and size to cover RB/TE and the speed to get to the QB!!
If we do not take Peterson then I would really like to see:
Miller
Paea
Austin
For our 1st 3 picks!
true2broncos, Locker was like a cult figure two seasons ago and he would of probably been picked in the top 5 picks if he had declare in the last draft, but I do agree that he failed his expectations in his final year. Just tampering your negativity just a tat here, LOL.
mex bronco,
I am still wondering about Ayers??? He has not done much in the 3-4 and I wonder what makes you think he’ll all of a sudden play great in a 4-3? He is a decent run stopper, but he has not had many sacks in his first two years in Denver. I really think we need another pass rushing DE in the 4-3 scheme.
I’m happy the Doom-inatore is coming back and I hope he can return to form, but every team that has success with the 4-3 has two GREAT DE’s. Look at New York (G-men), Indy, New Orleans to name a few.
Anyway, at this point I really don’t care who Denver Drafts as long as they can play ball!!!
baylinorcrush,
I never understood the “Jake Locker” obsession! He played High School ball in the same area and time frame as “Kellen Moore”. And if I had to pick between the two based on there College Career’s I think Kellen has better numbers after three years then Locker had his entire college career.
Yeah, if the Broncos are looking at Locker seriously at all – I would be really surprised and a bit disappointed!!!
However I do agree fully with yovi about being disappointed that we are even gonna look at him in a private workout. That can only tell you that in some shape or form there is some interest in the kid from our triumvirate, in what capacity and with what round I have no idea, but I think that says volume about how uneasy the triumvirate is about our trio of QB’s right now, unless you guys are gonna say that it’s just to throw people off… throwing them off what? Like you said the kid isn’t worth but a 5th round pick… just saying, this is not a comfortable development whether anything comes out of Locker or not, the QB quagmire (QQ) is as alive as ever, that basically proves it to me.
I also buy into Ayers as a DE in the 43. I have to, since I had correctly picked him for our #17 pick the year we got him. He will impress many people there is my half way educated guess, just like he did in his Tennessee days.
That’s what he looked like coming out of the Volunteers:
As a senior in 2008, Ayers started all 12 games at right defensive end for Tennessee, posting a Southeastern Conference-best 15.5 tackles for a loss en route to earning second-team all-conference honors. His 49 tackles (34 solo) that year led the Volunteers’ defensive line and helped UT tie for third in the nation in total defense (263.5 ypg.) and rank 10th in the country in scoring defense (16.8 ppg.).
Ayers played all 14 games for Tennessee in 2007, posting team highs in sacks (4) and tackles for a loss (12) while finishing the season with 34 total tackles (25 solo).
I’m in for Ayers at DE!
baylinorcrush,
I hope you are right about Ayers! He has shown sparks as a player and maybe going back to his college poition will help him turn the corner and become a good player on a consitant basis!?!?!?
Let’s hope that happens!
As for Locker – I’m personally done tallking about that guy – he was CROWNED as Royalty coming out of High School and he never played up to the hipe in my opinion!!! He was a BUST in College and will be a BUST in the NFL!!!
Problem is we don’t have a fith round pick, or fourth and I doubt Locker will fall to the 6th?
I think this Locker workout is a complete slap in the face of Tebow and an almost outright admission that Elway and Fox do not plan on ever starting Tebow.
It seems just like something McDaniels would do…. I bet we trade Tebow, Draft Locker and then start Orton…..
The reason I went on with the Locker thing is not because of Locker per say, but the simple fact that we are conducting private workouts with QB’s!!!!
That’s exactly what I’m getting to OC, there is more to this private workout than to just brush it off as nothing…. Your scenario is not as far fetch as some bloggers may think….
True…
As I brought along the topic with Ayers, we should have NOTHING to worry about with him being at the DE position! He played 4-3 defense at the DE position and was EXTREMELY talented in the run game and getting to the QB! Especially with having Fox and Allen in with their Defensive minds, our DL has already gotten 2X as better as last year with adding Doom and Ayers to the ends!!
Having them two on the ends will shut down the outside runs! Now us getting someone to go in the middle along with Vickerson and maybe an extra person for depth as well, we should be set!!
Just like I said above, if you watch Ayers college videos, he will remind many of Mathis and Freeney, or at least he did me!!
This year, with us moving Ayers back to his dominating position, he will finally be giving us his true dominating form that we drafted him for in the 1st round!
All those Tebow jerseys…. One owned by OC, another by BFE….
All I can think is there must seriously be something about Tebow that Elway doesn’t like.