3. Tamba Hali
These next two selections could be switched, but either way, it’s clear that the Chiefs were red-hot at drafting defenders in the 00s.
In 2006, the Chiefs decided to take a chance on the high motor and strong work ethic of a Penn State product named Tamba Hali and they were rewarded for their efforts with more than a decade of consistent production and one of the franchise’s best ever pass rushers.
Hali was considered a reach at the time in the draft at No. 20 overall and it took some time for him to earn the respect of Chiefs Kingdom as Hali never hit double digits in sacks until his fifth year in K.C. But what he provided all during that time was a well-rounded presence who consistently generated pressure and rarely ever missed any playing time over the course of 12 seasons in K.C.
When Hali hit his stride at the age of 28 during the 2011 season, he made the first of five consecutive Pro Bowls and the stats really started to add up. In the end, he ranks second to Derrick Thomas on the team’s all-time list for both sacks at 89.5 and forced fumbles at 33. He had 105 career tackles for loss, which is the most in team history (the stat only started being recorded back in ’99). He also added 16 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, and 1 safety during his tenure with the Chiefs.