Ranking the best draft classes in Kansas City Chiefs history

#1 – 1963

Notable Selections: Buck Buchanan, Ed Budde, Bobby Bell, Jerrel Wilson

It is interesting to think that, had Bob Lilly joined Lamar Hunt’s squad instead of the crosstown (at the time) Cowboys, the franchise may never have drafted one of its’ true legends: Hall of Fame defensive tackle Buck Buchanan.

The Chiefs kicked off the 1963 Draft with the number one overall selection. It would be the first top overall pick for the team, and the only one until 2013. The team used the selection to pick Grambling State star Junious “Buck” Buchanan. Buchanan was bafflingly not chosen until the 19th round of the NFL draft, so coming to the Chiefs was not really a tough choice.

Buchanan played for Kansas City for 13 seasons, and made the Pro Bowl in eight consecutive seasons from 1964 through 1971. He was also a 1st Team All-Pro defensive tackle in four consecutive seasons, including both of the franchise’s first two Super Bowl appearances, in 1966 through 1969.

If you draft a Hall of Famer, the draft class will be referenced as outstanding, but if you draft two, that’s the stuff legends are made of. The Chiefs solidified their defensive identity with the eighth round selection of Minnesota linebacker Bobby Bell. Bell would go on to be one of the franchise’s great draft steals, playing for 12 years with the team.

In those seasons, Bell was a nine-time Pro Bowler and six-time 1st Team All-Pro selection. Like Buchanan, his selections to both were consecutive (1964-1972 Pro Bowler, 1965-1970 All-Pro). He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1983. Bell formed one of the best linebacking corps in football history with 1967 second round selections Lynch and Lanier (aforementioned).

The team had other successful selections in the draft, too. In the second round they drafted Hall of Fame snub, Ed Budde. The guard played 14 seasons for the Chiefs and seven Pro Bowls and two 1st Team All-Pro squads. He is one of the best offensive lineman in team history.

The team also selected punter Jerrel Wilson in the 11th round. He punted for the team in 203 games over 15 years, missing only seven games his the entire career, including both Super Bowl I and IV. He finished with three Pro Bowl nods and a career average of 43 yards per punt, that places him the top 60 all time in NFL history. Fun fact: Wilson also moonlighted as a running back for the Chiefs, notching 27 career touches. He also returned a punt once in his career.

The draft was the most incredible of all of general manager Jack Steadman’s classes while with the Chiefs franchise, and the only time the team has drafted two Hall of Famers in the same year.