Denver Broncos: Five worst draft picks in franchise history

Every year, the NFL draft is filled with will-be’s and has-beens. Sometimes, it is really difficult to discern which is which. Unfortunately, there are more misses than successes who make 53-man rosters each year. Broncos Wire takes a look back at the five worst picks in franchise history.

No. 5: NT Ted Gregory (Rd. 1, 26 overall, 1988 NFL draft)

A big reason that Gregory makes this list is because he was a first-round pick, right at the beginning of the John Elway era. Gregory didn’t even make the roster in Denver in 1988, playing just three games and recording just one sack for the New Orleans Saints in his only season.

No. 4: QB Tim Tebow (Rd. 1, 25 overall, 2010 NFL draft)

Thought to be a generational talent coming out of the University of Florida, Tebow was drafted 25th overall in 2010. This one is a little controversial, as Tebow helped deliver some of the most heart-stopping, on-your-feet moments of the past 15 years for the Broncos. Tebow led Denver to the playoffs in 2011, but after the team signed Peyton Manning, Tebow Mania had run its course. We will always have that one special year.

No. 3: WR Marcus Nash (Rd. 1, 30 overall, 1998 NFL draft)

Nash only caught four passes for 76 yards in his short, forgettable career with the Broncos. It was extremely disappointing output, especially for a first round pick.

No. 2: QB Tommy Maddox (Rd. 1, 25 overall, 1992 NFL draft)

The Broncos’ selection of Maddox was a head-scratcher, especially as starting quarterback John Elway was under center. This pick predictably flopped, as Maddox went 0-4 when he was with the Broncos, only playing in five total games in two seasons.

No. 1: QB Paxton Lynch (Rd. 1, 26 overall, 2016 NFL draft)

Lynch may be the biggest quarterback miss in Broncos history. A big-bodied quarterback (6-7, 244 pounds), Lynch only started four games for Denver, going 1-3 in two seasons for the Broncos. Lynch was out of the NFL after the 2017 season, a symbol of the post-Peyton Manning era in the Mile High City.

Do you agree with our picks? Who else do you think should be on the list? Let us know on Twitter/X: @TheBroncosWire.

This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: Five worst draft picks in franchise history