Arrowhead Addict
FanSided

Ranking the best draft classes in Kansas City Chiefs history

By Kelly Thompson

Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame defensive tackle Buck Buchanan (86) charges upfield during Super Bowl I, a 35-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers on January 15, 1967, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California.10 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl I played on January 15, 1967 at the Los Angeles Memorial Colesiumin Los Angeles, California. (Photo by James Flores/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame defensive tackle Buck Buchanan (86) charges upfield during Super Bowl I, a 35-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers on January 15, 1967, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California.10 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl I played on January 15, 1967 at the Los Angeles Memorial Colesiumin Los Angeles, California. (Photo by James Flores/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
PITTSBURGH – NOVEMBER 16: Running back Ed Podolak #14 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the football after taking a handoff from quarterback Mike Livingston #10 during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on November 16, 1975 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH – NOVEMBER 16: Running back Ed Podolak #14 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the football after taking a handoff from quarterback Mike Livingston #10 during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on November 16, 1975 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

#3 – 1969

Notable Selections: Jim Marsalis, Ed Podolak, Jack Rudnay

Jack Steadman is the best general manager in the history of Chiefs football. Someday, Brett Veach could surpass him on that list, but right now, it’s not even close. Steadman was so good that he is the engineer behind the Chiefs’ three best draft classes of all time.

In 1969 the Chiefs, poised to make another run at the Super Bowl, made 18 draft selections. Two of the first four would go on to be key contributors to the Super Bowl IV World Championship the Chiefs would win that season.

Defensive back Jim Marsalis was the Chiefs’ first round selection that year. All he would do as a rookie is start 17 out of 17 games (including the playoffs and Super Bowl) and make the Pro Bowl. He made the Pro Bowl and was a 1st Team All-Pro selection the following season, and played five more seasons with the Chiefs and one with the Saints.

The team’s second round pick that was running back Ed Podolak from the University of Iowa. Podolak, more a fullback in today’s NFL, played for Kansas City for nine seasons for a total of 104 games. While his numbers don’t stand out (the whole FB thing), he was an excellent addition to the team and is in the Chiefs Ring of Honor.

In the fourth round, the Chiefs took center Jack Rudnay from Northwestern. He started 171 games over 13 seasons in the NFL. He missed his entire rookie season with injury, but was a critical part of the team for 13 years after that. He made four Pro Bowls in his time.

Kansas City also got contributions in the draft, though minimal, from tight end Morris Stroud and Bob Stein.

It was difficult making decisions in drafts three through six, but this draft added key contributors to a Super Bowl Championship, which pushed it over the top. A re-evaluation of Chiefs draft in 10 years may put 2016 above it, but for now, this is where we’re at.

Home/Kansas City Chiefs History