KC Chiefs: Ranking every first-round pick since 2000
By Matt Conner
7. Branden Albert
The common draft story heard this time of year for offensive lineman is typically about tackles who are talented but are projected to be pushed inside to play along the interior. Rarely, a guard is so good that they are given a chance to play outside at the next level. That’s what the Chiefs envisioned with University of Virginia prospect Branden Albert when they selected him at No. 15 overall in the 2008 NFL Draft.
To his credit, Albert not only came in to the professional level as an interior lineman (a celebrated one at that) but he also suffered a foot injury that cost him the preseason portion of his rookie year. No matter, since he ended up started 15 games for the Chiefs outside and did a solid job of it. Some sophomore struggles eventually gave way to an above average career at one of the game’s most important (and toughest) positions to play.
Just like Fisher, Albert was a slow developer who had some growing pains in front of the fan base, but both linemen turned in long careers at tackle and earned two Pro Bowl nods each. We gave Fisher the edge for health reasons (and because he stayed with the franchise longer), but Albert should not be overlooked as a very, very good draft pick.