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Broncos Draft History: Defensive Backs

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- As we begin to wrap up the preview of the cornerbacks and safeties available in the 2013 NFL Draft, let's take a look back at the defensive backs the Broncos have drafted.

Below are some of the notable players in the defensive secondary drafted by the Broncos throughout the team's history.

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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. Carter played in three games in 2012 before being placed on injured reserve.


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

Broncos Career:Moore has made 102 tackles with two interceptions and nine pass breakups in his 31 career regular-season games played, with 22 starts. He played the most snaps of any Bronco on defense in 2012 while posting the third-most tackles on the club.


120315_williams.jpg

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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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:

YearRd.No.NameCollege
20124101Omar BoldenArizona State
2011245Rahim MooreUCLA
20114108Quinton CarterOklahoma
20105137Perrish CoxOklahoma St.
20107225Syd'Quan ThompsonCalifornia
20092a37Alphonso SmithWake Forest
20092b48Darcel McBathTexas Tech
20094a114David BrutonNotre Dame
20084b119Jack WilliamsKent St.
20087a220Josh BarrettArizona St.
2005256Darrent WilliamsOklahoma St.
20053a76Karl PaymahWashington St.
20053b97Domonique FoxworthMaryland
2004385Jeremy LeSuerMichigan
20045152Jeff ShoateSan Diego St.
20024131Sam BrandonNevada-Las Vegas
20027a228Chris YoungGeorgia Tech
2001124Willie MiddlebrooksMinnesota
2000115Deltha O'NealCalifornia
20002b45Kenoy KennedyArkansas
198712334Tyrone BraxtonNorth Dakota St.
19805a131Mike HardenMichigan

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