Commentary

No. 22: Broncos' best draft class

Even without Elway, 1983 is Denver's best year

Originally Published: March 26, 2009
By ESPN Stats & Information | Special to Insider

ESPN Stats and Information has ranked all NFL players drafted in the modern draft (1967-2008) based on their performance during their NFL careers, regardless of how they fared with the team that drafted them. Insider will count down each team's best draft class (seeded 1-32), then conduct a tournament to determine the best class of all time.

For a short explanation of the ranking system, click here, or, for a more detailed rundown of how the system was developed, click here.

The 1983 Broncos have knocked off the Raiders and Giants and now take aim at the Bills -- Vote now!

BRONCOS' BEST CLASS: 1983

The Denver Broncos have had a few strong drafts, according to ESPN Stats and Information's ranking system. They haven't drafted a Hall of Famer but have selected an MVP and three Players of the Year. One can say that on an "official" level because in May 1983, the Broncos acquired No. 1 pick John Elway, who was drafted days earlier by the Baltimore Colts.

Elway became a Hall of Famer, but he doesn't count as an official Broncos pick. Still, Denver's 1983 picks managed to make for an outstanding class with contributors to three AFC champion teams.


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