If you’re a fan of the Denver Broncos, you’ll want to know who the top 8 best Broncos defensive players of all time in Broncos history are. In this blog, we’ll review the players who have made the most impact on the defensive side of the game for the Denver Broncos. We’ll start by looking at the players who have made the biggest impact in the NFL and how they’ve contributed to the Broncos’ success. We’ll then move on to the other players who have been key to the Broncos’ success over the years. Finally, we’ll wrap up with a discussion of the current players who are making a name for themselves on the defensive side of the game. By the end of this blog, you’ll have a good understanding of who the top 8 best defensive players of all time in Broncos history are.
=> See more: Sport Collections
1. Von Miller – Best Broncos defensive players of all time
When it comes to the best Broncos defensive players of all time in NFL history, few can match the accomplishments of Von Miller. A Super Bowl MVP, six-time Pro Bowler, and four-time first-team All-Pro, Miller is one of the most decorated players in Broncos history.
As a pass rusher, few have been as dominant as Miller. He has been a menace to opposing quarterbacks since entering the league in 2011, recording 106.5 sacks and counting. His speed and agility are unmatched, and he has an uncanny ability to get to the quarterback quickly and efficiently.
Off the field, Miller is a leader and an inspiration to his teammates. He has been a vocal advocate for social justice issues and a role model to the next generation of football players.
Miller is the epitome of what it means to be a great defensive player. He is strong, fast, and relentless. He is a leader both on and off the field and a true champion.
2. Champ Bailey – Best Broncos defensive players of all time
Introducing Champ Bailey, one of the best Denver Broncos defensive players of all time. Champ Bailey was a first-round pick of the Washington Redskins in 1999 and was traded to the Broncos in 2004. During his tenure with the Broncos, Bailey was named to eight Pro Bowls and was a four-time All-Pro selection. He was also selected to the All-Decade Team for the 2000s by the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Bailey was known for his exceptional coverage skills, often shutting down the opposing team’s best receiver. He was also a great run defender and often finished tackles behind the line of scrimmage. His football IQ was off the charts, allowing him to make game-changing plays. He was also a great team leader, inspiring his teammates and often serving as a mentor to the younger players.
Champ Bailey was a true leader on the field and off the field, setting an example for everyone on the team.
3. Randy Gradishar – Best Broncos defensive players of all time
Randy Gradishar was one of the greatest Denver Broncos defensive players of all time. During his illustrious career, he was selected to seven Pro Bowls and was a two-time All-Pro selection. He was also a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1970s.
A Hall of Fame inductee in 1989, Randy Gradishar was renowned for his tremendous work ethic and his ability to read and react to plays. He was a master of the game and was known for his intelligence and leadership. His exceptional play earned him the nickname “Mr. Bronco”.
Randy Gradishar was an integral part of the Broncos’ success in the 1970s. He was a key figure in the team’s first Super Bowl win in 1977, as well as their run to the AFC Championship Game in 1978. He was also a leader on the Broncos defense during their run to the Super Bowl in 1986.
4. Rich Jackson – Best Broncos defensive players of all time
Rich Jackson is one of the best defensive players in the history of the Denver Broncos. His career spanned 11 seasons and he was a key part of the team’s success during the 1960s and 1970s. Jackson was an All-Pro selection in 1972, and was part of the Broncos’ first Super Bowl team in 1977. He was inducted into the Broncos’ Ring of Fame in 1984.
Throughout his career, Jackson was known for his hard-hitting style of play. He was a fierce competitor and a leader on the field. He was also a great mentor to younger players, helping them to develop their skills and reach their potential.
In this product, we’ll look at Rich Jackson’s contributions to the Broncos’ success and his lasting legacy. We’ll examine his career highlights, discuss his impact on the team, and explore how his influence is still felt today.
5. Karl Mecklenburg – Best Broncos defensive players of all time
Introducing Karl Mecklenburg, one of the greatest defensive players in the history of the Denver Broncos. As a member of the Broncos from 1983 to 1994, Mecklenburg was a key contributor to the team’s success, helping them to three Super Bowl appearances and six AFC West titles.
Mecklenburg was known for his versatility, as he was able to play every position on the defensive line as well as linebacker and even tight end. He was an integral part of the “Orange Crush” defense that helped the Broncos reach the Super Bowl in 1987 and 1988. Mecklenburg was selected to the Pro Bowl six times, and was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1985.
His impact on the Broncos and the NFL is still felt today, as he is often cited as one of the best defensive players of all time.
6. Steve Atwater – Best Broncos defensive players of all time
If you’re a fan of the Denver Broncos, then chances are you know the name Steve Atwater. Arguably the best defensive player in the history of the franchise, Atwater was the driving force behind the Broncos’ two Super Bowl victories in the late 1990s.
Atwater was a fierce competitor, a tenacious tackler, and an intimidating presence on the field. He was also a leader in the locker room and a mentor to younger players. His knowledge of the game and passion for the game were unparalleled.
Atwater’s career was full of highlights. He was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s. He was also inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame in 2005.
Atwater’s legacy lives on in the Denver Broncos organization. His number, 27, has been retired by the team, and he is still remembered fondly by fans.
7. Dennis Smith – Best Broncos defensive players of all time
When it comes to the best defensive players in the history of the Denver Broncos, one name stands out above the rest: Dennis Smith. A hard-hitting safety, Smith was a leader on the Broncos defense for more than a decade, from 1981 to 1994.
Smith entered the league as an undrafted free agent and quickly made an impact, leading the team in tackles during his rookie season and earning a Pro Bowl selection. From there, Smith continued to establish himself as one of the best defensive players in the league, earning six Pro Bowl selections and three All Pro selections throughout his career. He was also part of the Broncos’ Super Bowl-winning team in 1997.
Smith was known for his physicality and aggressiveness on the field, as well as his leadership and intelligence. He was a master of the game, reading opposing offenses and knowing exactly where to be on the field to make a play. He was also a great tackler, often delivering punishing blows to opposing players.
8. Simon Fletcher – Best Broncos defensive players of all time
When it comes to the Denver Broncos, one of the greatest defensive players to ever wear the orange and blue is Simon Fletcher. A defensive end for the Broncos from 1985 to 1995, Fletcher was a force to be reckoned with on the field. His speed and agility, combined with his relentless pursuit of the quarterback, made him one of the most feared defensive players of his era.
Fletcher’s career stats speak for themselves. He is the Broncos all-time sack leader, with 97.5 sacks over his 11-year career. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection. He also holds the Broncos record for most consecutive games with a sack, with 10 in the 1992 season. He was also a key contributor to the Broncos success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, helping the team to three Super Bowl appearances.
See more: TOP 5 Denver Broncos best players who exceeded expectations in 2023
In conclusion, the best Broncos defensive players of all time have been some of the most influential players in the NFL. From Randy Gradishar, to Von Miller, to Champ Bailey, these players have helped shape the way the Broncos play defense. They have been the backbone of the team for many years, and have helped bring the team to the Super Bowl multiple times. Their commitment and dedication to the game has been inspirational, and it is no surprise that they are some of the most recognizable names in the NFL. Their accomplishments on the field have inspired generations of fans and players alike, and will continue to do so for years to come.
