NFL Draft 2011: Denver Broncos Have History on Their Side

After the strike-shortened 1982 NFL season, the Denver Broncos finished 2-7 and ranked 12th out of 14 AFC teams.

Then, arguably the biggest draft trade of all-time occurred when the Baltimore Colts drafted John Elway No. 1 and traded him to the Broncos.

A year later, the Broncos made the playoffs at 9-7, and a legend was born.

Fast forward to the 1990 NFL season.

The Broncos finished 5-11—their worst record since 1972 (not counting the strike)—and needed to draft well once again.

This time, however, they had a few pieces in play with FS Steve Atwater and TE Shannon Sharpe.

Added to that were LB Mike Croel (won 1991 Defensive Rookie of the Year) and WR Derek Russell.

1991 proved to be a successful year as the Broncos finished 12-4 and went on to win the AFC West while appearing in the AFC Championship.

A few years later, Denver was down again after finishing 7-9 in 1994. They lost their final three games which cost them a playoff appearance (sound familiar).

The 1995 NFL Draft however, was at first a blessing in disguise for Denver as they got RB Terrell Davis from Georgia in the sixth round.

1995 only posted an 8-8 record, but the next three years were the best three years in team history.

So, now we go to 1999—the first season without John Elway since 1982. Denver finishes 6-10.

The 2000 NFL Draft?

How about CB Deltha O'Neal, LB Ian Gold, and RB/U.S. Marine Mike Anderson (NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year).

Needless to say, the Broncos went on to finish 11-5 and make the playoffs. The following seasons proved well also as Denver posted a 61-35 record from 2000 through 2005.

Since 2005 however, the Broncos have yet to have a 10-win season, let alone make the playoffs.

Now, obviously one single draft year does not completely change a team around.

But based on how the Broncos were able to draft after having a dismal record, the following seasons were worth noting.

Also, Denver is not one of those franchises that has been consistently drafting near the top (as of recent) like Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo, San Fran, Houston or Oakland. 

Thus, we look at the 2008 Draft where the Broncos drafted OT Ryan Clady, WR Eddie Royal, and RB Peyton Hillis.

Despite losing Hillis in a god-awful trade, Denver does have the pieces to be successful.

If, that is, they draft well in 2011.

Well, Josh McDaniels did give them a solid offense, so coach Fox can focus on defense.

Don't be surprised if the Broncos are back in playoff contention sooner rather than later.