The Broncos Wire series of the greatest player by position has already taken a look at some of the greatest quarterbacks, tight ends, offensive linemen and more. Now we continue the series, taking a look at the greatest linebackers in the history of the Broncos.

Determining who made this list was an extremely difficult decision considering the amount of prolific players that have played that position in the Mile High City.

Related A look at the greatest tight ends in Broncos history

8: John Mobley-(1996-2003)

The Broncos selected Mobley from Kutztown University with the 15th overall pick of the 1996 NFL Draft, and he took the league by storm, starting all 16 games for Denver in his rookie season. Mobley played his entire career in Denver and despite missing most of the 1999 season with an ACL injury and suffering a severe spinal injury in 2003, Mobley managed to play 105 games in a Denver uniform, starting 102.

Mobley recorded 606 total tackles, 10.5 sacks, five interceptions and was a key player in the Broncos back-to-back Super Bowl victories. If it were not for injuries, Mobley could have gone on to have had an even more impressive career.

7: D.J. Williams-(2004-2012)

Williams was a standout linebacker at the University of Miami and when Denver selected him with the 17th overall pick in 2004, the expectations for Williams could not have been higher. Williams met those expectations and then some, performing as one of the team’s best defensive players for nearly a decade. In nine years with the Broncos, Williams played in 127 games, starting 115.

His versatility allowed the Broncos to move him both inside and out, and his ability to read the offensive play and react made him a dominant force against the run game. Williams recorded 824 total tackles for the orange and blue, including an incredible 2007 season, when he recorded 170 tackles.

Related Here are our top 10 offensive linemen in Broncos history

6: Tom Jackson (1973-1986)

In 14 seasons with the Broncos, Jackson played a crucial role of the original “Orange Crush” defense, helping lead the team to six playoff appearances, along with two Super Bowl appearances as well.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection and a Broncos Ring of Fame inductee, Jackson was one of the most beloved players of his generation. Since his playing days, Jackson has gone on to be one of the most revered pro football analysts around. In 2015, Jackson was honored with the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television award for his longtime exceptional contributions as an analyst.

5: Al Wilson-(1999-2006)

Also a first round pick, Wilson was the staple of the Broncos defense and a fan favorite throughout his time in Denver, even if his feelings towards the organization are not very pleasant at the moment. Wilson’s size and speed made him effective against both the pass and the run. A five-time pro bowler, Wilson was one of the best linebackers in the league during the early 2000s.

Wilson recorded 560 tackles and 21.5 sacks as a member of the Broncos. Unfortunately for Wilson, he suffered a neck injury in a Sunday Night Football matchup with the Seattle Seahawks in 2006. Wilson ultimately retired in 2008.

Related Al Wilson does not care for Broncos organization

4: Von Miller-(2011-present)

When it is all said and done, Miller could very well be at the top of this list and is already one of the most productive pass rushers in NFL history. Miller has played in 72 games for the Broncos, most recently Super Bowl 50, where Miller helped dominate the Panthers and was rewarded with the Super Bowl MVP Award.

In just five seasons with the Broncos, Miller has already recorded 267 tackles and an astounding 60 sacks. Simply put, Miller is a beast and is well on his way to breaking the NFL sack record. Miller’s ability to get after the quarterback was the catalyst that propelled the Broncos to a World Championship.

Although Miller’s future with the team is still up in the air, most expect a deal to be reached this week with the superstar, both of the field and of the dance floor.

Von sacked his way through the NFL’s elite offenses in 2015 and boogied his way into the hearts of America with his funky celebrations and eventual appearance on Dancing With the Stars this summer. Miller has said on multiple occasions that he would like to be with the Broncos for life, and considering his production through the first five years of his career, Broncos fans also hope to see No. 58 in the orange and blue for a long time.

Related Trevor Pryce among best interior defensive linemen in Broncos history

3: Simon Fletcher-(1985-1995)

Fletcher spent his entire 11-year career in a Broncos uniform, dominating the league as both a defensive end and linebacker. Fletcher was the original DeMarcus Ware, playing wherever he needed to contribute to the defense.

Fletcher recorded a franchise record 97.5 sacks and set the franchise records for sacks in a season with 16 (1992); the record was later broken by Elvis Dumervil in 2009 with his 17 sacks.

Throughout his tenure, Fletcher recorded 808 total tackles and 97.5 sacks. Fletcher was one of the best players at his position for a long time and is one of the best defensive players to ever suit up in Denver.

2: Karl Mecklenburg-(1983-1994)

Mecklenburg was a 12th round selection that outplayed everyone’s expectations. Mecklenburg record 1,115 tackles with the orange and blue, punishing anybody that crossed his path. Mecklenburg’s ability to play most positions in the front-seven, allowed him to move all over the field to get after the quarterback.

Mecklenburg’s 79 sacks in a Denver uniform is proof of his ability to rush the passer, and also earned him nicknames like the “Albino rhino”. Mecklenburg’s outstanding linebacker earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl six times, and made three Super Bowl appearances.

Mecklenburg was a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2016 and was inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame in 2001.

1: Randy Gradishar-(1974-1983)

The heart of the orange crush, Gradishar roamed the middle of the field for a decade in a Broncos uniform. The inside linebacker went on to record over 2,000 tackles for the orange and blue, and earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1978.

Gradishar was a factor in both the run game and pass game, finishing his career with 20 interceptions and 13 fumble recoveries. Gradishar was a seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro.

Arguably one of the best defensive players of his generation, many argue that Gradishar should be in the NFL Hall of Fame. Considering the type of production he contributed to some of the best defenses in NFL history, I’d bet Gradishar eventually gets a spot in Canton.