Chiefs third round draft history reveals abundance of hidden gems

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 20: Will Shields #68 of the Kansas City Chiefs blocks against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium on October 20, 2002 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Broncos defeated the Chiefs 37-34. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 20: Will Shields #68 of the Kansas City Chiefs blocks against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium on October 20, 2002 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Broncos defeated the Chiefs 37-34. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Draft Picks, Will Shields
25 Sep 1994: Guard Will Shields of the Kansas City Chiefs provides protection for the quarterback during a game against the St. Louis Rams at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Rams won the game 16-0. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /All /

#1 – Will Shields, Guard

It was incredibly difficult selecting the names and order for the top third round picks in Chiefs history (and 2nd, and 1st for what its worth). But, it was not difficult knowing that 1993 third-round pick Will Shields belonged at or near the top of the list.

When the Chiefs used the 74th overall selection on the Nebraska Cornhusker product, they could have never known what they were going to get from the now-legendary guard. If they had, they’d have taken him in the 1st round

Shields played 14 seasons in Kansas City, anchored one of the greatest offensive lines in NFL history, and was a foundation of Chiefs football through his entire career.

Shields did not miss a single game in his entire 14 year NFL career. Not one. His 232 games played rank in the top 25 of NFL players ever. And, his 231 consecutive starts (he did not start the first game of his career in 1993), rank as the 6th longest streak in NFL history.

In addition to being incredibly durable, he was also brilliantly talented and is one of the most effective lineman in NFL history. From 1995 through the end of his career, he was called for holding only seven times.

Shields made the Pro Bowl in 12 out of 14 years in the NFL, his first two years in the NFL being the only missing roster selections. He was twice named to the1st Team All-Pro roster. As the only current Hall of Famer to ever come out of the 3rd round for Kansas City, it feels like a no-brainer that he be the single best 3rd round pick in team history.

A LOOK BACK AT CHIEFS DRAFT HISTORY: