Broncos Legends: Top-5 Offensive Tackles of All Time

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

The Denver Broncos have an offensive tackle with a bronze bust in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Also, the Broncos have some great players who held down the edges of the line, and we must answer the question: who are the five greatest offensive tackles in Broncos history?

Here is the list in descending order and the reasons why they have been selected for this illustrious list.

5. Tony Jones

Jones was not with the Broncos long, but his impact was tremendous. He's on this list, for one, because he completely shut down Hall-of-Famer Reggie White in Super Bowl XXXII, leading to the Broncos' first Super Bowl victory. 

Frankly, Jones could have been considered the MVP of that game. He was also versatile enough to slide over to right tackle so that Gary Zimmerman could step back into his left tackle role mid-season. Jones earned a Pro Bowl invitation for his work on the line so that Terrell Davis could become a member of the 2,000 Yard Club in 1998. 

Jones was tremendous in the zone blocking scheme and a solid pass protector.

4. Eldon Danenhauer

Coming to the Broncos by chance, Danenhauer was another "original Bronco" beginning his career in the franchise's inaugural season. He was one of the greatest right tackles the team has had, and the league recognized that superb play. 

In six seasons, Danenhauer received three All-Pro awards and was an AFL All-Star twice. He protected Frank Tripucka as he became the first quarterback to throw for 3,000 yards and had his jersey retired. 

Danenhauer is a forgotten Broncos player, and hopefully, the new ownership will consider placing him in the Ring of Fame.

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3. Ken Lanier

Lanier is one of the most underrated Broncos players of all time and the best right tackle in the team's history. He played 13 seasons for the franchise and started 167 games. 

During that stretch, Lanier was never recognized for his solid play, but he did help the team go to three Super Bowls and started 13 playoff games. He was essential to keeping John Elway upright and definitely outplayed his fifth-round draft pedigree.

2. Ryan Clady

If not for injuries affecting his career, Clady would be a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He burst on the scene as a rookie, only allowing a half-sack that season, earning All-Pro honors, and was in the running for Offensive Rookie of the Year. 

That is quite a feat for an offensive lineman. His career spanned only seven seasons with the Broncos, but those were great seasons. 

Other than 2013, when Clady missed nearly the entire year to injury, and 2010, another season that was impacted by injury, he received accolades. In every other year, he was awarded an All-Pro or Pro Bowl invitation. 

Clady was a very athletic big man, and his pass protection was a clinic for other offensive tackles to emulate. Definitely, a 'what if' question for his career, but even though it was short, it was brilliant.

1. Gary Zimmerman

Zimmerman isn't just the greatest offensive tackle to play for the Broncos; he's one of the greatest to ever play in the NFL. He's one of only a few players to be a member of two All-Decade Teams (1980s and 1990s). 

Zimmerman is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and in the Broncos Ring of Fame. He's deserving of both honors. 

Zimmerman was a key member of the offensive line that manhandled the Green Bay Packers to get Denver its first championship. He was also a perennial award winner, receiving five All-Pro awards and seven Pro Bowl invitations. 

Zimmerman is one of the greatest players to ever suit up in the Orange and Blue.

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