Best late round draft picks in Kansas City Chiefs history

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BUFFALO, NY – JANUARY 1, 1967: Tight end Fred Arnanas #84 of the Kansas City Chiefs catches a touchdown pass from quarterback Len Dawson in the end zone during the first quarter of the AFL Championship Game against the Buffalo Bills on January 1, 1967 at War Memorial Stadium in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by: John Vawter Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

2. Fred Arbanas, Tight End

A seventh round selection of a tight end is rarely something to write home about. But, there is an argument that Fred Arbanas is not just one of the best late round picks in Chiefs history, but one of the best draft picks by value in franchise history as well.

With the 53rd overall selection in the 1961 AFL Draft, the Dallas Texans selected the Michigan State product. In a shocking move, Arbanas chose to sign with Dallas instead of the St. Louis Cardinals, who had selected him in the second round of the NFL Draft that year. It was rare for a player to choose the AFL over the NFL anyway, but especially when the disparity between selection spots was so great.

In his nine year NFL career, this was the only franchise he played for. Arbanas was a five time Pro Bowler, 13th most in Chiefs history. He was also a 1st Team All-Pro selection three times, which ties him for sixth all time in club history. He finished his career with 3100 yards and 31 touchdowns, while starting on the Super Bowl I and IV rosters. Like many other Chiefs of the time, he is part of the AFL Hall of Fame’s All-Decade Team of the 1960’s.

Arbanas should be a Pro Football Hall of Famer, but the lack of stats generated at his position in the 1960’s, coupled with continued bias against AFL stars, has kept him out of the conversation. Arbanas would be the best tight end in club history for most NFL teams, but the Chiefs have the most decorated tight end group in NFL history, so Arbanas ranks only third at the position.

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