Top 10 No. 15 overall picks in NFL Draft history
By Mike Luciano
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6. Dennis Smith, Denver Broncos (1981)
While many quality Broncos players were overshadowed by the greatness of John Elway during the 1980s, Smith remains one of the more criminally underrated players from that time. Before Steve Atwater came along, Smith had a very legitimate claim to the title of best defensive back in Denver history.
The USC alum made six Pro Bowls in a nine-year span during his prime, making an All-Pro team and coming in fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 1989. Smith, Denver's leading tackler in history, retired with 1,158 tackles and 30 interceptions to his name while being inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame.
Dennis Smith was a tremendous pick at No. 15 overall in the NFL Draft
5. Abe Woodson, San Francisco 49ers (1957)
Woodson only played for nine seasons in the NFL, but he made them count. Not only was he one of the best returners ever, but his coverage skills helped him make Pro Bowls and All-Pros regularly in an era that was packed to the gills with Hall of Fame players at the cornerback position.
Woodson was a Pro Bowl player every year between 1959 and 1963, being named an All-Pro three times in that span. To this day, he ranks 34th all-time in combined return yardage. Even at a time when the 49ers never finished higher than third, Woodson alone made their defense feared.