The Lead
In a couple of months, the Broncos will finalize their preparation for the regular season by putting together their initial 53-man roster.
Before that time arrives, though, a pair of ESPN analysts put together a 53-man roster — and 17-player practice squad — of their own.
We're a quarter of the way through the 21st century, and ESPN honored the occasion by putting together an all-star lineup.
Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder used statistical outputs since 2000 to build the team, and a slew of Broncos made the list. A former Super Bowl-winning assistant made the coaching cut, as well.
Read on to see which players — and coaches — with Broncos ties made the NFL All Quarter Century team.
QB Peyton Manning
Manning capped his Hall of Fame career with the Broncos, earning an MVP award, Comeback Player of the Year honors and a Lombardi Trophy across four seasons. Manning's 2013 season was legendary, and his 55 touchdowns remain a single-season record. Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes also made the 53, while Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees earned practice squad slots.
EDGE DeMarcus Ware
Like Manning, Ware concluded his Hall of Fame career in Denver. Ware recorded the third-most sacks of any player since 2000, and he was instrumental in Denver's run to a Super Bowl 50 title. Jared Allen, Myles Garrett, Julius Peppers earned active roster spots, and T.J. Watt and Michael Strahan were tabbed to the practice squad.
CB Champ Bailey
According to Pro Football Reference, Bailey is in a league of his own among cornerbacks. His 149 approximate value is higher than any other qualifying cornerback, and he's tied with Ray Lewis for the most Pro Bowl selections of any player on the roster. A lockdown defender, Bailey was a seven-time All-Pro and is inarguably one of the best players in Broncos history. Darrelle Revis, Ronde Barber, Richard Sherman and Patrick Peterson snagged active roster spots, while Jalen Ramsey made the practice squad.
S Brian Dawkins
Most of Dawkins' career came with the Eagles, but he made two Pro Bowls in Denver to close his Hall of Fame career. Dawkins recorded the second-most forced fumbles and third-most sacks among defensive backs during the considered time frame for the roster, and he joins Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu and Earl Thomas on the list. Charles Woodson earned the practice squad spot.
DC Wade Phillips
The former Broncos assistant joins a coaching staff that also features Bill Belichick, Kyle Shanahan and Dave Toub. Phillips, of course, directed the Broncos' Super Bowl 50-winning defense led by a fierce pass rush and the No-Fly Zone. In both 2015 and 2016, Phillips' unit ranked first in defensive DVOA — and his defenses have been in the top half of the league in 15 of 18 seasons since 2000.
