Broncos draft history: Wide receivers
The Broncos have a rich history of drafting great receivers. Check out a history in photos from Demaryius Thomas to Marlin Briscoe.
Demaryius Thomas (2010 NFL Draft - first round, 22nd overall) reaches for a deep pass that would be an 86-yard touchdown against the Cardinals in 2014. Thomas has established his name in franchise record books after an outstanding 2014 season in which he broke the single-season receiving yards record (1,619 yards) and the single-game receiving yards record with 226 in the game pictured above. He has also caught a total of 41 touchdowns so far in his five-year career and has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last three years.
Eric Decker (2010 NFL Draft - third round, 87th overall) keeps his eyes on the football as he prepares to make a 20-yard reception against the Texans in 2013. Decker started in 44 of 62 regular season games as a Bronco, and made his biggest impact in 2012 and 2013. In those years, he had seasons of 1,064 and 1,288 receiving yards with 24 touchdowns over that span.
Eddie Royal (2008 NFL Draft - second round, 42nd overall) hauls in a 30-yard touchdown reception against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game in 2012. Royal started in 45 of his 57 regular season games with the Broncos. In those years, he totaled 2,107 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
Brandon Marshall (2006 NFL Draft - fourth round, 119th overall) takes a short pass for a 15-yard gain against the Steelers in 2009. Marshall played his first four seasons in Denver, making the Pro Bowl twice with the Broncos. In those four seasons, Marshall started 45 of 61 games, had three seasons with each over 1,000 receiving yards and caught 25 total touchdowns.
Ashley Lelie (2002 NFL Draft - first round, 19th overall) reels in a deep pass for a big gain against the Chargers in 2003. Lelie spent his first four years in the league with the Broncos, starting 40 of 64 games. His biggest season came in 2004 when he totaled 1,084 receiving yards on 20.1 yards per reception and seven touchdowns.
Derek Russell (1991 NFL Draft - fourth round, 89th overall) scores a touchdown against the Raiders. Russell played for the Broncos for four years, starting 35 of 50 games and catching 102 passes for 1,518 yards and five touchdowns.
Mark Jackson (1986 NFL Draft - sixth round, 161st overall) looks to take a pass upfield. Jackson's sure hands made him a consistent target for the Broncos, where he spent seven years, totalling 4,746 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns. However, he might best be known for his five-yard touchdown catch to cap "The Drive" against Cleveland in the 1986 AFC Championship.
Ricky Nattiel (1987 NFL Draft - first round, 27th overall) maneuvers his way past defenders. Nattiel, one of the "Three Amigos" with Mark Jackson and Vance Johnson, spent his entire six-year career in Denver, totaling 1,972 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, but his 56-yard touchdown to open Super Bowl XXII was probably the biggest.
Vance Johnson (1985 NFL Draft - second round, 31st overall) picks up yards after a catch. Johnson, one of the "Three Amigos" with Mark Jackson and Ricky Nattiel, spent his entire 10-year career in Denver, totaling 5,695 receiving yards and 37 touchdowns.
Rick Upchurch (1975 NFL Draft - fourth round, 95th overall) stretches to cross the goal line against the Bears. Upchurch, a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro, was inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame in 2014 after a career with 4,369 receiving yards, 24 receiving touchdowns, eight total punt returns for touchdowns and a 12.1 punt return yard average (seventh overall in NFL history).
Marlin Briscoe (1968 NFL Draft - 14th round, 357th overall) warms up before a game. An interesting case, Briscoe was originally drafted as a quarterback for the Broncos, where he started five games, of which he won two. As a quarterback Briscoe threw for 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in his rookie season, but after that season he went to Buffalo and became a wide receiver. In 1970, Briscoe caught 57 passes for 1,036 yards and eight touchdowns, leading to a Pro Bowl selection. For his career, Briscoe had 3,537 receiving yards, 30 touchdowns and two Super Bowl rings with the Miami Dolphins.
Eric Crabtree (1966 AFL Draft - 13th round, 112th overall) poses for a photo. Crabtree played his first three years in Denver, including starting every game of his 1968 season. He totaled 1,355 receiving yards and 10 touchdown receptions as a Bronco.
