2015 KC Chiefs draft class is one of best in team history
Round 5 – James O’Shaughnessy, Tight End, Illinois State
Kansas City used their second fifth round pick, number 173 overall, on tight end James O’Shaughnessy. The Illinois State product had good size and measurables for the position and the Chiefs hoped he would provide solid depth behind budding superstar Travis Kelce.
While that never really happened in Kansas City, the 6-foot-4, 250 pound route runner did start six games over two seasons with the team and has led a productive NFL career since then. In 2017, the Chiefs traded the tight end to the Patriots, who cut him before the season ever started. He signed with the Jaguars in September 2017 where he’s remained ever since. He’s struggled with injuries while in the NFL, but has started 34 total games in six seasons, and that’s certainly good for any fifth round pick.
Round 5 – DJ Alexander, Linebacker, Oregon State
Just one pick before taking O’Shaughnessy, the Chiefs selected linebacker DJ Alexander. The team had visions of pairing him with their fourth round pick (see below) and creating a formidable tandem in the years that followed, ideally phasing out beloved veteran, and fellow DJ, Derrick Johnson.
That never really materialized for Kansas City, nor for Alexander, but the Oregon State product was an impactful presence on the field. Across two seasons, Alexander played in every single game for the Chiefs. Though never starting for the defense, he quickly became a valuable tool, as he was a reliable four-phaser on special teams. In fact, he was so good that in 2016 he was named a Pro Bowler as a special teamer. If you have a fifth round pick make a Pro Bowl, it’s a win, even if it is short lived.
Alexendar left the Chiefs via trade to the Seahawks in 2017. Since that time he’s had stints with Seattle, Philadelphia and most recently Jacksonville. He didn’t play the 2020 season and it is unclear whether he’s attempting to land a roster spot for the 2021 season.
Round 4 – Ramik Wilkson, Linebacker, Georgia
Though not as big of a hit as Alexander, Dorsey and the Chiefs also got solid value out of the 188th pick of the draft, by taking Georgia linebacker Ramik Wilson with their fourth round pick. Wilson came with much fanfare given how prolific he was while starring in the SEC, but concerns about he athleticism and durability pushed him down draft boards and Kansas City took the plunge on day three.
While the durability concerns proved to be accurate, Wilson still provided some impact for the Chiefs. After starting two games and playing in 10 during his rookie year, the former Bulldog became a full time starter in 2016 before an injury sidelined him after 11 games. Another injury plagued season in 2017 gave way to Kansas City parting ways with Wilson after the season, and he signed with the L.A. Rams during the 2018 offseason.
The linebacker played in all 16 games that year for L.A, and played for the Arizona Cardinals in 2019. However, like Alexander, Wilson did not play the 2020 season. He is not currently on a NFL roster.