The Broncos, however, were only worried about whether Gradishar would last all the way to No. 14. Head coach and general manager John Ralston had called Hayes, who assured him he’d be able to play a decade and would be “the best player you’ve got,” Ralston told Frei.
In an attempt to ensure Gradishar would be a Bronco, Denver attempted to trade into the top 10, but they were rebuffed as New Orleans made a deal with Detroit. All they could do was hope he’d still be there.
But worry turned to elation when the Saints, at No. 13, selected another Ohio State linebacker over Gradishar, leaving him for Ralston and the Broncos.
“Defensive coordinator Joe Collier came beaming out of John Ralston’s office at 10:05 a.m. Tuesday and his wide smile told the whole story,” The Denver Post’s Dick Connor reported.
Even decades later — after Gradishar forged a career as the best inside linebacker in Broncos history with seven Pro Bowl selections, two first-team All-Pro nods and 1978 NFL Defensive…