Karl Mecklenburg, a defensive lineman out of the University of Minnesota, was selected in the 12th round by the Denver Broncos in the 1983 draft. Mecklenburg was the 310th player selected and could be one of the greatest steals in Bronco history. All Mecklenburg did was anchor a defense that was part of three AFC championships in four years in the late 80s. He played in 180 games and recorded 79 sacks. Mecklenburg had a career-high 13 sacks in 1985 and recorded nine or more sacks in three other seasons. He finished his career in 1994.