In the 2011 draft, the Broncos added two safeties that saw extensive playing time, Rahim Moore (2nd round) and Quinton Carter (4th round). Earlier this week, we previewed a few of the defensive backs available in the year's draft and featured Notre Dame safety Harrison Smith.  Here is a look back at a few notable defensive backs that the Broncos have drafted.

Player:Quinton Carter

Year Drafted:2011
Round:4 - 108 Overall
College:Oklahoma

Broncos Career:Carter started the final 10 games for the Broncos in 2011, including the team's two postseason contests. He finished the year with 49 tackles and one sack, and added two interceptions in the postseason. He became just the ninth rookie in the Super Bowl era to post an interception in consecutive postseason games.

Player:Rahim Moore
Year Drafted:2011
Round:2 - 45 Overall
College:UCLA

Broncos Career:Moore started the team's first five games in 2011 and totaled 31 tackles with one interception and one fumble recovery in 15 games played during the regular season. 

Player:Darrent Williams

Year Drafted:2005
Round:2 - 56 Overall
College:Oklahoma St.

Broncos Career:Williams was the first of three cornerbacks drafted by the Broncos in 2005. His impact was felt immediately on defense and in the return game, nabbing six interceptions - returning two for touchdowns - and leading the team in punt returns. Williams died in the early morning hours of New Year's Day 2007 after being shot near downtown Denver just hours after he and the Broncos completed their 2006 season.

Player:Steve Atwater
Year Drafted:1989
Round:1 - 20 Overall
College:Arkansas

Broncos Career:Atwater was a starter from the day he arrived in Denver and quickly gained the reputation as one of the toughest safeties in all of football. He finished his illustrious career with 24 interceptions and was named to eight Pro Bowls. Atwater was inducted as the 20th member of the Broncos' Ring of Fame in 2005.

Player:Dennis Smith
Year Drafted:1981
Round:1 - 15 Overall
College: Southern California

Broncos Career: Smith manned the Denver secondary for 14 years and was considered one of the most ferocious hitters in the NFL. A six-time Pro Bowler, Smith finished his career ranked third all time in games played (184) by a Bronco and fifth in games started (170). He was inducted into the Ring of Fame in 2001.

Player:Louis Wright
Year Drafted:1975
Round:1 - 17 Overall
College:San Jose St.

Broncos Career:For 12 electrifying years, Wright was a stalwart in the Broncos' secondary. He played 166 games in orange and blue, starting 163, and was named to five Pro Bowls. He concluded his career with 26 interceptions and was named to the Ring of Fame in 1993.

Player:Billy Thompson
Year Drafted:1969
Round:3 - 61 Overall
College:Maryland-Eastern Shore

Broncos Career:Thompson started the Broncos' legacy in the defensive backfield, playing 13 seasons in Denver. A team captain for many years, Thompson finished his career with more starts (178) and games played (179) than any player in team history - and currently ranks third and 10th, respectively, in those categories. Thompson was inducted to the Ring of Fame in 1987 and currently serves as the Broncos' Director of Community Outreach.

Player:Paul Krause
Year Drafted:1964
Round:12
College:Iowa

Broncos Career:While the Hall of Famer never played for the Broncos, he was drafted by the team in the 12th round of the 1964 AFL draft. Unfortunately for the Broncos, Krause was drafted also drafted by the Washington Redskins in the NFL Draft where he started his career.

For more on the team's defensive back draft picks, read Jim Saccomano's blog.

Other defensive backs drafted:

Next week we take a look at wide receivers.