Steve Watson

One of the most popular players in team history, Watson was a wide receiverfor the Broncos from 1979-87, finishing his sterling career with 353 receptions for 6,112 yards (17.3 avg.) with 36 touchdowns. He ranks fifth on the Broncos’ career list for receiving yards, seventh in receptions and eighth in touchdown receptions. Watson also was recognized as an outstanding special teams player during his pro career. Watson had three 1,000-yard receiving seasons (1981, ‘83 and ‘84) and was named to the Pro Bowl in 1981. That year, he posted the best numbers of his career for receiving yardage (1,244), touchdowns (13) and reception average(20.7 yds.) while his career single-season high of 69 receptions came in1984. Watson had 16 100-yard receiving games and 49 consecutive games with at least one reception as a player. He had single-game highs of 11 receptions(1984, vs. Pittsburgh in the playoffs) and 183 receiving yards (on 10 receptions at the Los Angeles Rams in 1982). Watson, 50, joined the Broncos in 1979 as a free agent from Temple University, where he was a four-year letterman at wide receiver. He was selected to the All-East team, playing in the East-West Shrine Game to close out his college career. Watson also won three letters and two conference championships as a long jumper, graduating with a degree in parks administration.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WatsSt00.htm

Gene Mingo

Gene Mingo was an all around threat for 5 years with the Broncos beginning with their inception.The first black field goal kicker in American professional football, Mingo was a very versatile player: he played several positions including halfback,kicker, and kickoff/punt returner. In 1960 he had the first punt return for a touchdown in the American Football League. That touchdown won the first-ever American Football League game, as the Broncos defeated the Patriots. Mingo also scored the first points in Mile High Stadium, then called Bears Stadium, with an 18-yard field goal. In the 1961 season opener at War Memorial Stadium against the Buffalo Bills, Mingo threw two touchdown passes from the halfback position, to help the Broncos win 22-10: a 50-yarder to Lionel Taylor in the first quarter, and a 52-yarder to Taylor in the third. Mingo kicked the PATs after each score. Gene Mingo led the American Football League in scoring in 1960 with 123 points and in 1962 with 137 points, and was an American Football League All-Star both years. He also holds the franchise record for the longest touchdown run, an 82-yarder against the Raiders in 1961. He wore #21 with the Broncos.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MingGe20.htm

Steve Sewell

Steve Sewell was a running back drafted out of Oklahoma by the Broncos in the first round in 1985. More of an H-back or receiver out of the backfield, he didn't really carry the ball that often. Steve played his entire 7 year career, but never lived up to being a top draft choice.

Sewell appeared in 3 Super Bowls for the Broncos. He threw a 23-yardtouchdown pass to John Elway in a regular season game in 1986.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SeweSt00.htm

2008 Draft Part 2

5th Round Carlton Powell, DT Virginia Tech

Powell should provide depth on a rotational basis in the middle of the defensive line. Known as a run stuffing tackle, he could certainly help the Broncos. Started for 3 years at Virginia Tech. Here is a little bit from NFL.com:

While Tech has produced quality run-stuffing tackles in recent seasons, none has shown the ability to simply shut down the opposition's ground game the way Carlton Powell, Jr. can.
How dominant has Powell been? In 73 plays that he made vs. the run, he held the opponent to minus-21 yards rushing. Since Powell was inserted into the starting lineup, Tech has led the nation in total defense the last two years (2005-06) and led the Division 1-A ranks in scoring defense in 2006, after placing second the previous two seasons. Good value pick for Denver

6th Round Spencer Larsen LB Arizona

Called the "heart and soul" of the Arizona defensive unit, opposing offensive coordinators feared the dominant and versatile defender.
Whether lining up at outside linebacker in a 4-3 alignment or playing inside in a 5-2 formation, few teams could contain Larsen with just one blocker.
The two-time team captain made a triumphant return to the gridiron in 2005 after missing the previous two seasons while on a church mission. During his freshman year at Arizona in 2002, the new coaching staff considered his return as an added recruiting bonus. Opposing ballcarriers considered his return a nightmare for fullbacks trying to block him and halfbacks trying to elude him on end-around runs. I just hope he can provide some depth and kick some tail on special teams. Hopefully another Burns.

7th Round Josh Barrett S Arizona State

Barrett had a great junior campaign and potentially could've been a third-round pick, but he got benched as a senior. He has all the measurables and exceptional speed, 4.36 in the 40. Barrett matured a lot after sitting and demonstrated poise when he came back. His lack of playing time, though, clearly hurt his draft stock. Hopefully he can provide some depth and be a terror on coverage units.

7th Round Peyton Hillis FB Arkansas

About time we had a true fullback. I am getting sick of these Mike Bell type fullbacks that can't block for squat. Hillis could have been a real steal. Hillis is one of the best fullbacks in the draft. Some had him rated higher than Owen Schmitt who was taken earlier. He was one of the main players responsible for opening up holes for first-rounders Felix Jones and Darren McFadden and will have a chance to contribute right away in the NFL as a blocking fullback.

Overall a solid draft for the Broncos. They addressed their needs at OT, WR, FB, Returner, and added depth all the way around. Not a lot of sexy picks, but overall a lot of players who are known for hard work and desire to play football. I give it a B.

2008 Draft Part 1

All of my posts so far have been about Broncos players of the past. This week, I will look at the newest members of the franchise. Starting today with the first few rounds of this past weekend's draft:

1st Round: Ryan Clady, OT Boise State

I haven't figured out how to move pictures around yet, so Clady is the big guy in the blue pajamas wearing #79. Incredibly light on his feet for such a big man, Clady was drafted to replace the retired Matt Lepsis at left tackle. He should be quick enough to stay with pass rushers off the edge, while also having a lot of knowledge of the Broncos zone blocking scheme, as Boise State used it as well. Drafted to protect Jay Cutler and could start from day 1.

2nd Round: Eddie Royal, WR Virginia Tech

The Broncos have a big need for a return man, and Royal fits the bill. He should be the primary return man from day 1, and also may contribute as a slot receiver. I would imagine he would be dangerous on end-arounds and reverses also. He holds the Virginia Tech career record for all purpose yards and the ACC record for career punt return yards.

4th Round: Kory Lichtensteiger OL Bowling Green

A four year starter for the Falcons, Kory can play both guard and center. Known for solid technique and outstanding blocking ability, but also for a bit of a mean streak. I like this pick for that reason.

4th Round: Jack Williams CB Kent State

This guy can fly - he has great speed. He ran a 4.32 at his Pro Day and also had very impressive numbers in the cone drill and vertical jump. He's got good size for a corner. Given his athleticism, he could be underrated as a prospect and is a great value at this point in the draft.

5th Round: Ryan Torain RB Arizona State

It's hard to fault the Broncos when they take a running back in the later rounds. They have great success at unearthing hidden gems at this position. Torain started the season really well, but was derailed by a foot injury midway through the year. He's a junior college transfer that likes to run between the tackles. Given Denver's traditional success taking RBs in the middle rounds, the Arizona State product has potential to develop.

Tomorrow/Thursday: Part 2

Ricky Nattiel

The Broncos drafted Ricky Nattiel in the first round of the 1987 NFL Draft out of Florida. As a wide receiver, he wore number 84 with Denver for 6 seasons. His rookie season was his best, with over 600 yards and a couple of touchdowns. A member of the Broncos trio of receivers known as "The Three Amigos." Warning, before watching this video, be prepared for the cheesiest thing you have ever seen. OLE!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z15HGEuzXU0

Nattiel caught a Touchdown pass from John Elway in the first quarter of the Superbowl his rookie season. That lead didn't hold up as the Redskins proceeded to score 789 consecutive points to win.

My Dad, older brother, and I met Ricky Nattiel at a mall when we still lived in Denver. I still have the 3 Amigos poster autographed by him in my basement.

Nattiel never did live up to being a first round pick. Most teams expect to get more than 2000 career receiving yards out of a first round pick. He was fun to watch, though.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NattRi00.htm

Bobby Anderson

Bobby Anderson was a number 1 draft choice by the Broncos in 1970. A running back from the U of Colorado, Anderson wore number 11 for Denver for 4 years. He never lived up to his first round draft choice status, with under 1300 yards and 9 TDs in his four years. He was a decent receiver out of the backfield with another 860 yards and 2 TDs. He did throw 1 TD in his career to former first rounder Riley Odoms. He also had a sweet haircut that made him look like John from C.H.i.P.s. He must have been quite the player in college, because he is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeBo00.htm