Recently, the Broncos Wire staff has taken a look at the greatest players by position in Denver Broncos history. Players like John Elway and Shannon Sharpe were obvious number one’s; other position groups were not as clear cut.

Today we conclude the series with the safety position.

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5. John Lynch: (2004-2007)

Lynch played the majority of his career in Tampa Bay, terrorizing the league for over a decade apart of the Buccaneers infamous “Tampa Two” defenses, After roaming the open field for some of the best defenses in the league and winning the Super Bowl in 2002, Lynch finished his career in a Denver uniform.

Known for being one of the hardest hitters in the league, Lynch’s athleticism and vision, made him an impact player in all aspects of the game. Even in the later years of his career, Lynch was able to make a huge impact for the Denver defense.

Lynch made the Pro Bowl in each of his four seasons with the Broncos, but where he really impacted the organization was with his leadership. Alongside Champ Bailey, Lynch was the leader of the defense and helped lead the Broncos to an AFC Championship appearance in 2005.

In total, Lynch played 60 games in the orange and blue, recorded 267 total tackles, three interceptions and seven sacks. In his career, the future hall of famer, recorded over 1000 tackles and forced 16 fumbles.

4. Austin “Goose” Gonsoulin: (1960-1967)

One of the early stars of the franchise, Gonsoulin was a true ballhawk, recording 43 interceptions and earning All-Pro honors twice. Known for flying all over the field, Gonsoulin terrorized opposing quarterbacks both with his pass coverage and blitzing abilities.

Gonsoulin made the Pro Bowl five times and was revered for his toughness on the field. A member of the 1970 All-AFL Team and 1984 Ring of Fame inductee, Gonsoulin was one of the most consistent players for a group of Broncos defenses that were not very good.

If the team had more success, Gonsoulin may have been ranked a little bit higher on this list.

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3. Bill Thompson: (1969-1981)

Thompson spent his entire 13-year career as a member of the Denver Broncos, playing 179 games in total. In the early stages of his career, Thompson played cornerback and returned kicks. Eventually switching to safety, the athletic Thompson still holds the team record for defensive touchdowns with seven.

Thompson was one of the league’s original free safeties, using his top speed to roam all of the field and his bone crushing hits made him one of the most feared defensive backs around. Thompson made the Pro Bowl three times and was also selected to the NFL All-Pro team once.

2. Dennis Smith (1981-1994)

The Broncos selected Smith with the 15th overall selection out of the University of Southern California, and like Thompson, he spent his entire career in the Mile High City. After missing the majority of his first two seasons due to injury, Smith went on to become one of the best defenders in Broncos history.

Smith was revered for his pass-coverage abilities, but the former Trojan could do it all, which is shown in his stats. In total, Smith recorded 1,152 tackles, 30 interceptions and 15 sacks. Smith was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and inducted into the Ring of Fame in 2001.

1. Steve Atwater: (1989-1998)

Although Atwater’s career was shorter than some of the players listed above, Atwater’s impact on the Broncos back-to-back Super Bowl victories earned him the top spot.

In ten seasons with the Broncos, Atwater made the Pro Bowl eight times and was a two-time All-Pro selection. A true “bruiser”, Atwater was one of the roughest and toughest players in the NFL, missing only five games in his time with Denver. Atwater recorded 1,125 total tackles in a Broncos uniform, 24 interceptions and five sacks.

A 2001 Ring of Fame inductee, many Broncos fans argue that Atwater should have spot in Canton, OH.