Denver Broncos: The Most Underrated Broncos of All Time

The term "underrated" can carry quite a few connotations. Sometimes, it can be a player who wasn't valued for the stats they produced, while other times a great player can be missed for not showing up on the stat sheet.

In some instances, a player can be on the score sheet so much that people don't acknowledge the greatness they are seeing.

The Broncos, like any franchise, have their fair share of players who fit into all of these molds. This is a list of just a few of them.

Ma'a Tanuvasa

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21 Sep 1997: Defensive lineman Maa Tanuvasa #98 of the Denver Broncos celebrates during the Broncos 38-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport

Listen to the radio and count how many times Alfred Williams makes mention of Tanuvasa during conversations about his playing days. It becomes clear that Williams had a tremendous amount of trust in his linemate.

He had that trust for very good reason. Tanuvasa could play any position on the defensive line well and while his stats were not impressive, his versatility was.

He allowed players like Williams, Neil Smith and others to make the extraordinary plays that they did.

Jason Elam

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DENVER - DECEMBER 24: Jason Elam #1 of the Denver Broncos kicks a field goal during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals, as the Broncos defeated the Bengals 24-23 on December 24, 2006 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug

How many out there knew that the Denver Broncos boast a member of the Top 10 all-time scoring leaders in the NFL?

Elam has always been a beloved Bronco and will definitely find a home in the ring of fame. However, until that ceremony happens, the fans will remain in the dark about just how prolific his career really was.

Simon Fletcher

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8 Sep 1991: Defensive lineman Simon Fletcher of the Denver Broncos works against a Los Angeles Raiders player during a game at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, Caliofornia. The Raiders won the game, 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport

Fletcher is the career leader in sacks for the Broncos and has no Pro Bowl selection to show for it. In fact, most fans these days might not even remember the name.

Fletcher was an insanely athletic player whose consistency is shown by his NFL record of 10 straight games with a sack. Suffice it to say, the Broncos would kill for that kind of pass rush now.

Keith Burns

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06 Jan 2002: Trevor Insley #83 of the Indianapolis Colts gets knocked out of bounds by Keith Burns #55 of the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis on Sunday. Mandatory Credit: Ron Hoskins\\Getty Images

There is no sense in trying to find statistical evidence to support the fact that Burns was underrated. What was truly underrated was the effect that the role he played had on the team.

Having a leader who excels in special teams is a rare commodity and the Broncos were lucky to have that in Keith Burns. He showed younger players that taking pride in being a great special teams player could earn you a spot on the roster, which could then lead to time on offense or defense.

Jake Plummer

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DENVER - NOVEMBER 20: Quarterback Jake Plummer #16 of the Denver Broncos dives for the ground after losing his helmet to linebacker John Abraham #56 and cornerback Ty Law #24 of the New York Jets in the second quarter on November 20, 2005 at Invesco Fiel

Over 40 wins in the three-and-a-half years as a starter and people still cringe at his name, but is that reaction really warranted?

His highest single-season passing total ranks above John Elway for yardage and his winning percentage is light years ahead of anyone with 50 games or more as a starter.

Don’t worry, because I am not so crazy as to say that Plummer is a better quarterback than Elway. However, I will say that it is time to give Plummer some credit.

Think back and remember that even though there were a few poor decisions, a quarterback who wins three out of four games that they start is not a dime a dozen.