The edge rusher list and defensive line list has some overlap and it really depends on how the fan viewed the specific player. Rich “Tombstone” Jackson was a guy who made the Top 5 in both lists. Some of us viewed him as a defensive end and others as a true edge rusher, which kind of is the same thing in many ways. That he makes both lists is a testament to how good he was.
It is clear that future Hall of Famer, Von Miller, will be at the top of this list. The Super Bowl 50 MVP is cemented as a member of Broncos’ Mt. Rushmore. After that, there are so many players we could add to the list and being under 50, I went with guys I watched play in the 80s and 90s until now.
Here’s where our Mile High Report staff landed on the top five for edge rusher:
Scotty Payne: Obviously, Von is number one, followed by Simon Fletcher and Mecklenburg. The Broncos’ history of pass rushers runs deep. I then added Elvis Dumervil. He would have been higher on this list if it were not for that damn fax machine. Finally, it was a short career, but DeMarcus Ware’s impact on the team and Von Miller is worthy of making this list.
Chris Hart: This list took a little bit of effort taking outside linebackers like Von Miller and players of the past who primarily played defensive end for the Broncos. Miller stands out to me as one of the most dynamic defenders in my lifetime as a fan. Longtime Broncomaniacs will remember Simon Fletcher’s penchant for sacking quarterbacks [97.5 career sacks], as well as the havoc Chavous, Jones, and Jackson were able to create during their time with the franchise.
Joe Mahoney: Here is my Top 5:
Sadaraine: Von Miller was one of the most dominant pass rushers I’ve seen play football. He was definitely the best ever in orange and blue. Simon Fletcher was crazy good and flies under the radar for some reason. Elis Dumervil had some of the most memorable sacks I’ve seen (including a banger on Tom Brady).
Ian St. Clair: The Broncos have been blessed with some of the best pass rushers in NFL history. Obviously Miller and Fletcher must be included, but the trio of Chavous, Jackson, and Jones should not be overlooked. Chavous is currently fourth in franchise history in sacks with 75, followed by Jones at No. 5 with 73.5. And Jackson would probably have more than his 43 if it was tracked in his career.
After Von, I suspect the rest of the list will vary wildly from person to person. I wouldn’t be surprised if it boils down to the same reasoning I gave – who each of us watched play growing up.
So give us your Top 5 edge rusher list down below in the comments section!
