3. Ed McCaffrey
Career with Broncos: 9 seasons (1995-2003)
Statistics With Broncos: 462 receptions (4th all time); 6,200 receiving yards (5th all time); 46 receiving touchdowns (4th all time)
Career Accolades: 1-time Pro Bowler; 2-time Super Bowl champion
A fan favorite, otherwise knows as Eddie Mac, McCaffrey not only had the stats to earn his place on this list, but also the attitude and mentality. McCaffrey was willing to do anything to help the Broncos, consistently going over the middle of the field and extending his body well knowing that he was going to get destroyed by hard-hitting linebackers and safeties.
Even though he had a fairly long career, nine years with the Broncos and thirteen overall, McCaffrey could have had an even more productive career if it weren’t for devastating injuries.
In 2001 during the season opener against the New York Giants, and one day before September 11, McCaffrey extended his body, made a one handed catch and got hit very hard by a linebacker. This was the type of play that he consistently made, except he would typically get up from them, crack his neck on both sides and be ready to go. This hit, however, was not typical, as it broke his knee and put him out for the rest of the season.
While he did bounce back the following year with nearly another 1,000-yard season, he struggled with injuries in 2003, which ultimately forced him to retire.
Along with being a fantastic over-the-middle receiver, McCaffrey could play anywhere on the field. Even though McCaffrey played on the field with superstar talents of Elway, Terrell Davis, Rod Smith and Shannon Sharpe, McCaffrey had the talent to dominate on his own.
He proved this in 2000, leading the team in receptions, 101, along with 1,317 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. That team did have Rod Smith, but only had Davis for four full games and didn’t have Elway or Sharpe.
It’s hard to believe that for most of his career with the Broncos, he was the second best receiver on the team…
