Denver Broncos: Power Ranking the Greatest Defensive Players in Team History

The "Orange Crush" is widely regarded as the best defense in Broncos history. However, trying to rank the best individual defensive players in franchise history delves into more murky territory.

Regrettably, defensive statistics were rarely kept in the early stage of the leagues illustrious history. Thus making statistical comparisons almost impossible between players of different generations.

Although, that could be a good thing as it forces rankings of this nature to be based more on the "eye" test than dense statistical proof. 

With that in mind, please bring passion, emotion and intangibles into this discussion as much as you would like to.

No. 7: Louis Wright

Louis Wright was one of the leagues first shut down corners. He paved the way for a different Broncos player to appear later in this list.

He is quite possibly the most underrated corner in NFL history and had he played on a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers or Dallas Cowboys he would have been much more famous.

His contributions on every play won't appear on a stat line but rest assured that his coverage made life a lot easier for the rest of the defense. 

No. 6: Steve Atwater

The Shot Heard Around Colorado

Nobody could bring the pain in an orange jersey like Atwater. His hit on Christian Okoye still reverberates through the halls of NFL Films to this day.

He may never find his way to the Hall of Fame but he affected game plans because receivers and running backs alike did not want to be anywhere close to him.

No. 5: Rich Jackson

“Tombstone” Jackson was the original sack artist for the Broncos and maybe the NFL in general.

Jackson is another in the list of stunning talents who wore a Broncos jersey, but didn’t have a long enough career to get the respect they deserve.

The “Head Slap” struck fear into the hearts of offensive tackles and made quarterbacks sitting ducks when Jackson would rush.

Teammates and opponents have agreed that Jackson is one of the toughest individuals they have ever seen on a field. 

No. 4: Billy Thompson

Billy Thompson is one of the most well thought of Broncos in the history of the franchise. It was his play on the field though that launched his fame.

He was a leader on the defense from the moment he stepped on the field. He became the picture of consistency and dependability making timely tackles and generating game changing turnovers.

It is easy to see why his myriad of talents have allowed him to live off his Broncos legacy for many years after his playing days were over.

No. 3: Dennis Smith

Smith might have been the most solid safety that the Broncos have ever had. He didn’t have the power of Atwater but his all around game was much better.

Always in the right place at the right time, Smith's solidarity allowed other players to look for the big plays.

It’s a shame that his career couldn’t have been shifted four years later so that he could have been rewarded with a ring.

No. 2 Randy Gradishar

To simply look at the statistics, one would have to assume that Randy Gradishar was literally "everywhere" on the field. The man churned out tackles, like the Coors Brewery did beers from 1974-1983.

He had no blinding athletic ability to speak of, and probably would have lost in a foot race to every player he ever tackled. Still, he was understanding the game and reacting to it in a way that was far ahead of his time.

The Broncos will likely never see a player be that involved, on almost every defensive play, ever again.

No. 1: Champ Bailey

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - SEPTEMBER 16: Champ Bailey #24 of the Denver Broncos awaits action as the Denver Broncos defeated the Oakland Raiders 23-20 in overtime during week two NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High on September 16, 2007 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo b

Simply put, no Broncos player has ever affected the opponents game plan on offense like Champ Bailey. His coverage ability and sheer athleticism have made him one of the premier "shut down" corners in the NFL.

He has already done enough to be on top of this list and with his new contract there is still history left to be written for Champ with Denver.