Broncos Legends: Top-5 Inside Linebackers of All Time

There have been some great linebackers in Denver Broncos history, but who are the top-5?

The Denver Broncos have had some incredible defenses that were manned by great linebackers. Once considered the heart of the defense, the inside linebacker position has become less emphasized in today's NFL. 

However, we should take a moment to remember the greats from the past who wore the Orange and Blue. But who are the five greatest off-ball linebackers in Broncos history?

Here is the top-5 list in descending order and the reasons why these linebackers have been selected to this illustrious list.

5. D.J. Williams

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WIlliams was a tackling machine who could play inside or outside. He had two seasons of 100 solo tackles, one of which is still the Broncos' official record, and ranks in the top 10 all-time for the franchise. 

Williams also has more tackles for a loss in Broncos history than anyone not named Von Miller. Williams was an athletic specimen who could make impact plays across the field. 

From his tackles for a loss to his 22.5 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, and 37 passes defended, Williams made a lot of big plays. Although he never received a Pro Bowl invitation, he did get honored by being selected for the All-Rookie Team in 2004 as the Broncos' first-round pick.

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4. Al Wilson

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A fearsome tackler, Wilson had a short, but incredible career with the Broncos. He could play sideline to sideline and is one of the last of the great rangy middle linebackers. 

Wilson was the heart and soul of the defense in the 2000s and if his career had not been cut short by injury, we could be arguing his case for the Hall of Fame. In eight seasons, he went to five Pro Bowls and earned two All-Pro awards. 

Wilson was an all-around playmaker netting five interceptions, eight forced fumbles, 21.5 sacks, and over 700 tackles in that short career. He was a great linebacker who deserves more attention for his stellar career.

3. Tom Jackson

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If an off-ball linebacker from the 1970s would be coveted in today’s NFL, it would be Jackson. He was one of the best three-down linebackers during that era. 

Jackson's ability to play the run, the pass, and rush the passer was constantly on display during his 14-year career with the Broncos. A member of the 'Orange Crush' defense, Jackson intercepted 20 passes, including seven in a single season, and made over 1,000 tackles (unofficial). 

Largely ignored by voters for awards during his career, Jackson still received two All-Pro nods and three invitations to the Pro Bowl. At least the Broncos recognized his greatness by putting him in the Ring of Fame.

2. Karl Mecklenburg

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Mecklenburg could be on more than one list because he was able to play all front seven positions at a high level. On one play, he could be an inside linebacker, the next, he could line up as a pass-rushing defensive end, while then sliding inside to nose tackle. 

Mecklenburg was truly a unique player that the NFL never saw before or since. He's one of the NFL's few players to tally more than 1,000 tackles and more than 75 sacks. 

In all, Mecklenburg earned four All-Pro awards, six Pro Bowl invitations, and three trips to the Super Bowl. His 1989 season was so good, he should have garnered attention for the Defensive Player of the Year award. He sits on the Broncos Ring of Fame and is another player who should be in Canton.

1. Randy Gradishar

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Randy Gradishar should have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame years ago. His exclusion is a travesty of epic proportions. 

Gradishar is the only Broncos player to win the Defensive Player of the Year award and was the best player on one of the greatest defenses of all time, the Orange Crush. He played only 10 seasons and was invited to the Pro Bowl in seven, and received five All-Pro nods. 

Gradishar was an intelligent, all-around linebacker who could play the pass as well as the run and is considered the game’s best short-yardage linebacker of all time. Notching more than 2,000 tackles (unofficial) gives him the most for any player in NFL history. 

A Broncos Ring-of-Famer, hopefully, Gradishar will be fitted for his gold jacket soon.

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