Al Wilson

Al Wilson was a middle linebacker and leader of the Broncos defense from 1999-2006. He wore #56 for the Broncos after being a #1 draft choice out of Tennessee. He was named to 5 Pro Bowls during his career and was a 2 time All-Pro. His career was cut short after injuring his neck against Seattle 2006. He played the next week, but never played after that season.

He was known for his hard hits and for consistently being in the right spot to make the tackle on defense. One of the best linebackers in team history.

Gerald Willhite

Gerald Willhite was a running back for the Broncos from 1982-1988. A number 1 draft choice out of San Jose State, Willhite wore number 47 for the Broncos. He never did live up to his 1st round status, but he did score 23 touchdowns as a Bronco. He was known for doing flips after scoring touchdowns. His career came to an abrupt end when he was tackled from behind by a bastage by the name of Joey Browner.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WillGe00.htm

Orson Mobley

Orson Mobley was a tight end for the Broncos for 5 years from 1986-1990. He was drafted in the 6th round out of Salem after transferring from Florida State. He wore number 89. He played in 3 Super Bowls for the Broncos in his 5 years, starting 2 of them. He had 84 catches in his career. He also had 4 regular season touchdowns and 1 more in the 1989 AFC Championship Game against Cleveland. At 256 pounds, he was considered large by tight end standards in the 1980's. I seem to remember him hyperventilating on the sideline after a couple of longer runs.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoblOr00.htm

Kenny Walker

Kenny Walker was a defensive lineman drafted in the 8th round out of Nebraska in 1991. Deaf since the age of 2 after a bout of meningitis, Kenny was only the 2nd deaf player to play in the NFL. After a very strong rookie season, he played only one more season before being out of football. He wore number 96. He has a book entitled "Roar of Silence: The Kenny Walker Story."

Mike Croel

Mike Croel was drafted #4 overall in 1991 out of Nebraska. He played outside linebacker and wore number 51. He recorded 10 sacks his rookie year and was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year by the NFL. After that season he only recorded 14 more sacks than I have for my career (which is 0). A classic flash in the pan, he played 4 years for the Broncos before bouncing around the NFL for a few years. He is also known for his sweet flat top. I also enjoyed finding the picture of his blatantly illegal "leading with the helmet" hit on Jeff Hostetler. Of course, as a Raider, he deserves every dirty hit just based on principal.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CroeMi20.htm

Bernard Jackson

Bernard Jackson was a defensive back for the Broncos from 1977-1980. He was the starting free safety for the Broncos during their Orange Crush days. He wore number 29. He played his college ball at Washington State and played for the Bengals before coming to the Broncos. He passed away from liver cancer in 1997.

2nd Annual Draft Review (Part 2)

Round 4: David Bruton, S Notre Dame

Another safety to provide depth. Mcdaniels calls him the best special teams player in the draft. The Broncos can use all the help they can get in that area.

Recorded 85 tackles, three interceptions and 4.5 TFLs as a junior before registering 91 tackles, four interceptions and two forced fumbles as a senior...One of the lone bright spots on an otherwise disappointing team at Notre Dame...Has good speed for the safety position and closes on the ball quickly...Has above average ball skills...Catches the ball at its highest point when given the opportunity...Height is a definite advantage, and a strong upper body enabled Bruton to fight for the football in traffic...Big-time special teams contributor in college who will likely make a name for himself in that role in the NFL...Is not a superior athlete....Does not excel in coverage, especially against quick receivers...May not be physical enough to make a major impact in defending the run at the pro level.

Round 4: Seth Olsen, OG Iowa

Good run-blocking guard who should provide depth.

Olsen has a terrific understanding of the game and his position...Technically heis above average and also possesses great awareness...He plays with a nastyattitude and has plenty of experience...Athletically limited...Olsen needs tobulk up and gain more strength...His durability is a question mark.







Round 5: Kenny McKinley WR South Carolina


Solid college receiver who can add depth. Will probably have to make his mark on special teams.

First Team All-SEC performer as a junior in 2007 when he recorded a school-record 77 catches for 968 yards and nine touchdowns...Finished career as South Carolina's all-time leader in receptions (207) and receiving yards (2,781)...Only reliable wide receiver for the team during his tenure...Gets off the ball quickly and has a ton of experience against top-level SEC talent...Understands how to get separation from defenders...Catches the ballwith his hands rather than his body and is able to make grabs in traffic...Can catch the ball while running at full speed and secures it quickly...A very tough player despite a rather smallish frame...Very productive but never viewed as dominant...Needs to add bulk for NFL success...Does not possess elite speed.






Round 6: Tom Brandstater, QB Fresno State

Not a real surprise that McDaniels would take a late round chance on a QB after his success developing Matt Cassell. Brandstater fits the Cassell mold and has a strong arm.



A three-year starter for Fresno State, Brandstater finished his career with the Bulldogs as their team MVP, completing 60 percent of his pass attempts for 2,664 yards and 18 touchdowns...The signal-caller threw for an average of almost 205 ypg in 2008, but he was also picked off 12 times and didn't always get the offense moving in the right direction when the Bulldogs needed a push...Part of the problem for Brandstater and FSU was that so many players on offense were in and out of the lineup due to injury, which is just one of the reasons why he failed to live up to his billing as the premier signal-caller in the Western Athletic Conference...Had a similar yardage average per game as a junior and made fewer mistakes (five INTs) while hitting for 15 TDs, but much of that was a credit went the running game which accounted for 34 rushing scores in 13 games...Has great size and tends to make the right reads, but his mobility is not the greatest and he needs significant playmakers around him to succeed.



Round 7: Blake Schlueter, C Texas Christian



This seems like a practice squad type of pick to me. Very fast for a lineman, but too light probably.



A three-time All-Mountain West Conference member, including earning Second-Team honors as a senior...Team captain as both a junior and senior...A bit undersized, but could excel in a zone-blocking scheme...Above-average athletic ability, quick off the snap and mobile...Plays with a bit of a nasty streak and has a good work ethic...Will need to get bigger and stronger to maximize potential at the next level.