Ranking the best draft classes in Kansas City Chiefs history

#4 – 2008

Notable Selections: Glenn Dorsey, Brandon Albert, Brandon Flowers, Jamaal Charles, Brandon Carr, Barry Richardson

The 2008 Chiefs draft class is probably undervalued relative to their on-field abilities simply because they played in a pretty bad era of Kansas City football. Regardless, six players in the class became full-time starters for the team and/or for other franchises. In fact, Jamaal Charles is the only of these six notables who did not become a starter for a second franchise.

There is no doubt that the first round selection of Glenn Dorsey was far too high relative to his on-field production. Dorsey only recorded seven sacks in his nine year NFL career and he was never a disruptive presence for whom offenses had to account. Even still, Dorsey was an NFL starter for nine years with K.C. and the San Francisco 49ers.

Despite the relative poor value of the No. 5 pick, the Chiefs hit on five other selections in the draft. All five of the others listed were drafted below where their value would be in a re-draft. Branden Albert was a nine year NFL starter at left tackle who made two Pro Bowls. Brandon Flowers was a nine year starter, too, and made a Pro Bowl roster.

Brandon Carr is one of the more remarkable fifth round picks in NFL history. He was an unheralded college prospect from tiny Grand Valley State, yet he earned three separate contracts in the NFL with three different prominent franchises. Most remarkably, he started all 192 regular season games in his 12-year NFL career. Sixth round pick Barry Richardson also started for three years in Kansas City and St. Louis.

By far, however, the crown jewel of this class is the third round selection of Texas running back Jamaal Charles. Charles put together a borderline Hall of Fame career, while also becoming the team’s all-time leading rusher. In a re-draft for 2008, Jamaal Charles is a top ten pick. If injuries hadn’t derailed his career, he’d be a definite Hall of Famer.