LBs: Randy Gradishar (1974-83), Tom Jackson (1973-86), Karl Mecklenburg (1983-94)

Gradishar and Jackson were the ringleaders of the Orange Crush defense in the 1970s and early 1980s, arriving in back-to-back drafts. But Mecklenburg is the most unclassifiable great player in NFL history, a versatile presence who played every front-seven position in the 3-4 alignment during his 12-season career.

"It's just a combination that nobody else had. He was a tremendous pass rusher," said former Broncos defensive coordinator and head coach Wade Phillips. "I've never been around anybody that played inside 'backer as well as he did. He was great at it. And then on third down, you'd put him outside and let him rush."

CBs: Champ Bailey (2004-13), Louis Wright (1975-86)

Bailey is a Hall of Famer. Wright should be. Wright's length and quickness ensured that he became one of the cornerbacks in the 1970s and 1980s who reframed the possibilities for the position.

Safeties: Steve Atwater (1989-98), Dennis Smith (1981-94)

Atwater should be in the Hall of Fame already; he and Green Bay's LeRoy Butler are the only two all-decade players on offense or defense from the 1990s who are not enshrined in Canton. Both deserve induction. But Atwater will remind you that Smith, whose presence helped ease his transition in 1989, also belongs in the Hall.

SPECIAL TEAMS

K: Jason Elam (1993-2007)

Only seven players in NFL history scored more points than Elam, who retired with 1,983 points -- 1,786 of which came in Denver.

P: Tom Rouen (1993-2002)