Top 100 all-time Kansas City Chiefs moments: 100-76

DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 17: Inside linebacker Derrick Johnson #56 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the ball after an interception during the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Stadium on November 17, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Rob Tringali/SportsChrome/Getty Images)

99: Chiefs draft Derrick Johnson (2006)

The 2005 NFL Draft is remembered as the year that Alex Smith went No. 1 overall and 23 teams passed on Aaron Rodgers. However, for Chiefs fans (one of those 23 teams), the draft is remembered for someone else. That year, the Chiefs would draft a guy who has gone on to be one of the best players in the NFL. As his peers decline due to age, Derrick Johnson has just gotten better. He’s the fine wine of the 2005 draft class.

After a slow start to his NFL career, Johnson discovered his niche when Romeo Crennel introduced the 3-4 defense to Kansas City. Suddenly, a guy who was being called a bust by Chiefs fans was emerging as a Pro Bowl talent at inside linebacker. In an age where the position was dominated by names like Ray Lewis and Teddy Bruschi, Johnson was holding his own. In recent years, he has been consistently named in the Top 100 of NFL players on the NFL Network special.

Johnson is the captain of the defense, making calls and more importantly, big-time plays.  He has become one of the most complete defensive players in the NFL, and every season just reveals more of his talent.  If Jamaal Charles is the heart of the Kansas City Chiefs, there is little doubt that Johnson is the soul.

Next: No. 98