AFC West: Karl Mecklenburg
Breaking down AFC West HOF finalists
Three of the finalists have AFC West ties. Five others were part of the nine semifinalists to get knocked out of contention Saturday: Denver’s Steve Atwater, Terrell Davis and Karl Mecklenburg, former San Diego coach Don Coryell and former Oakland executive Ron Wolf.
Let’s take a look at the three finalists among the 17 who spent significant portions of their careers in the AFC West. Here they are:
Tim Brown, WR -- 1988-2003 Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders
Will he get in? Brown will get in, but it may take some more time because of the logjam at receiver, whether it’s right or not. Cris Carter could block him this year.
Willie Roaf, T -- 2002-05 Kansas City Chiefs
Will he get in? I would not be shocked if Roaf gets in within the next couple of years.
Will Shields, G -- 1993-2006 Kansas City Chiefs
Will he get in? I think Shields goes to Canton in his first time on the ballot.
Breaking down HOF semifinalists
Let’s take a look at the eight candidates among the 26 who spent significant portions of their careers in the AFC West. Here they are:
Steve Atwater, S, -- 1989-98 Denver Broncos
Will he get in? I don’t think Atwater will be in enshrined this year.
Tim Brown, WR -- 1988-2003 Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders
Will he get in? Brown will get in, but it may take some more time because of the logjam at receiver, whether it’s right or not.
Don Coryell, coach -- 1978-86 San Diego Chargers
Will he get in? The late coach has his supporters, but his candidacy may be difficult.
Terrell Davis, RB -- 1995-2001 Denver Broncos.
Will he get in? Davis’ short career remains his biggest challenge.
Karl Mecklenburg, LB -- 1983-1994 Denver Broncos
Will he get in? I’d call him a big long shot to make it in 2012.
Willie Roaf, T -- 2002-05 Kansas City Chiefs
Will he get in? I would not be shocked if Roaf gets in in the next couple of years.
Will Shields, G -- 1993-2006 Kansas City Chiefs
Will he get in? Shields has a real chance of being elected in his first year on the ballot.
Ron Wolf, Contributor -- 1963-1974, 1978-1990 Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders
Will he get in? Wolf had a long career and is best known for his days as the Packers’ general manager. I think he has a shot.
Broncos reveal 50th anniversary team
Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
The Denver Broncos have released their all-time 50th Anniversary team that was chosen by fan voting. The team will be recognized Oct. 11 against New England.
It looks to me that the fans got this line right. There are some superstars on this team. Here’s the list:
First-team Offense
QB John Elway
RB Terrell Davis
RB Floyd Little
WR Ed McCaffrey
WR Rod Smith
TE Shannon Sharpe
OT Matt Lepsis
OT Gary Zimmerman
G Keith Bishop
G Mark Schlereth
C Tom Nalen
First-team Defense
DE Simon Fletcher
DE Rich Jackson
DT Trevor Pryce
DT Rubin Carter
LB Karl Mecklenburg
LB Randy Gradishar
LB Tom Jackson
CB Champ Bailey
CB Louis Wright
S Steve Atwater
S Dennis Smith
First-team Specialists
K Jason Elam
P Tom Rouen
Ret Rick Upchurch
Here is a look at the players drafted by AFC West teams who made the top-50 draft value list.
No. 7: Terrell Davis, RB, Denver, 1995, Sixth round
Comment: The catalyst of Denver's two Super Bowl championship teams. He gave quarterback John Elway a balanced attack.
No. 11: Shannon Sharpe, TE, Denver, 1990, Seventh round
Comment: He went from a small-school receiver to a position-changing tight end who won three Super Bowls.
No. 13: Karl Mecklenburg, LB, Denver, 1983, 12th round
Comment: One of Denver's best defensive players of all time. He was a classic overachiever.
No. 27: Rod Martin, LB, Oakland, 1977, 12th round
Comment: An underrated player who was a key on Oakland's great defensive teams.
No 48: Cliff Branch, WR, Oakland, 1972, Fourth round
Comment: He is one of Al Davis' all-time favorite players. Opposing defenses had to account for Branch at all times.
No. 50: Rodney Harrison, S, San Diego, 1994, Fifth round
Comment: The hard-hitting Harrison was a standout in San Diego and in New England.
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Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
