Chiefs third round draft history reveals abundance of hidden gems

#3 – Albert Lewis, Defensive Back

With the 61st overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Grambling State defensive back Albert Lewis.

Lewis is perhaps one of the most underrated stars in franchise history, which may largely be attributed to the fact that the team simply was not very good in the ’80s, and as the team began turning around its fortunes in the early ’90s, Lewis’ play fell off a bit and he ultimately left the team after the 1993 season.

Unfortunately he spent the next five seasons playing for the Oakland Raiders, finishing out an impressive 16 year career in which he played in 225 games.

He secured 38 interceptions during his 11 year career in Kansas City, and added another 12 fumble recoveries and 555 tackles. All told in his career he finished with 42/13/832.

Lewis earned four Pro Bowl selections in consecutive seasons 1987-1990, and he was a 1st Team All-Pro pick in 1989 and 1990. It was early in their careers, but many Chiefs fans remember the defense featuring Lewis along with 1988 and 1989 draft picks Neil Smith and Derrick Thomas. This foundation created a Chiefs defense that helped ensure the team was competing for AFC supremacy through much of the 90s; and Lewis presence through 1993 certainly contributed to that.

Lewis was a hard-hitting, ball-hawking defensive back who still ranks 5th in interceptions in team history. Barbaro, mentioned on our honorable mention list, is 4th with one more interception. Lewis gets the nod as the third best 3rd round pick due primarily to longevity of play, but, as with most things, there is an argument to be made.