Denver Broncos: Power Ranking the Greatest Playmakers in Franchise History

A playmaker can take the electricity from a moment and use that to fuel their competitive motor. The Denver Broncos have had quite a few players who fit that bill.

Some take that energy and release it after the handoff, while still others snag it out of the air. One of the greatest was able to let the ball drop right into his waiting arms and make magic from a dead stand still.

Can anyone dethrone "Number Seven" as the greatest playmaker in Broncos history, read on to find out...

No. 5: Haven Moses

“Thank Haven for Moses.”

For Broncos receivers with over 100 games played and 100 receptions, Moses is the gold standard for big plays with an even 18 yards per reception career average.

His big-play ability was the catalyst for the Broncos offense in 1977 and resurrected the fledgling career of Craig Morton in Denver.

No. 4: Shannon Sharpe

Not since Kellen Winslow Sr. had a player been such a game changer at the tight end position.

Shannon Sharpe was as dangerous as any wide receiver, but he did all of his damage from the tight end position.

The value of such a weapon lining up at tight end cannot be measured, except maybe in the fact that he has three Super Bowl rings and bust in Canton.

No. 3: Floyd Little

The original Bronco “playmaker” was as close to a human highlight reel as has ever been seen in orange and blue.

He is still second on the list for longest rush in Broncos' history at 80 yards (and that record looks to remain in tact through this season as well). 

No. 2: Rick Upchurch

The most dangerous return man in Denver Broncos' history is secure in his spot as one of the greatest Bronco playmakers. Upchurch returned eight punts for touchdowns with a long of 92 yards and over 12 yards per return on average.

The entire city of Denver held their breath when he caught the ball, and there is only one other Bronco in history who could elicit such a reaction, and he is firmly entrenched at No. 1.

No. 1: John Elway

When you find yourself in the conversation for greatest player ever at your position, it is guaranteed that the label of “playmaker” also applies.

The magic of Elway was that he could deliver that play in so many different ways.

The throw that concluded “The Drive,” the “helicopter scramble” in the Super Bowl or just the beautiful image of Elway throwing 60 yards on a rope across his body on the run.

Elway will be hard to replace as the greatest Bronco playmaker ever.