Top 5 draft classes in Kansas City Chiefs history
By Grant Tuttle
4. 2016 DRAFT CLASS
Class in its entirety:
- R2 Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
- R3 KeiVarae Russell, CB, Notre Dame
- R4 Parker Ehinger, OL, Cincinnati
- R4 Eric Murray, CB, Minnesota
- R4 Demarcus Robinson, WR, Florida
- R5 Kevin Hogan, QB, Stanford
- R5 Tyreek Hill, WR, West Alabama
- R6 D.J. White, CB, Georgia Tech
- R6 Dadi Nicolas, EDGE, Virginia Tech
Most Notable Players:
This class is notable because of the top-end talent that came from it. Tyreek Hill and Chris Jones are both top players at their respective positions. Outside of those two, Eric Murray and Demarcus Robinson were both role players and starters for several seasons. Further, the drafting of Parker Ehinger yielded Charvarius Ward in a trade with the Dallas Cowboys.
Chris Jones has become a defensive staple for Kansas City. In many circles, Jones is regarded as one of the best interior defenders in the game today. In fact, outside of Aaron Donald, Chris Jones is generally thought of as the best pass-rushing defensive tackle in football.
Tyreek Hill quickly became one of, if not the greatest receivers in Chiefs history. Now a Miami Dolphin, Hill hopes to build on his strong career. With tremendous burst and athletic ability, Hill amassed 479 receptions, 6630 receiving yards, and 56 touchdowns with the Chiefs.
While Chiefs fans did not appreciate it at the time, Eric Murray was a nice depth piece. Unfortunately, he never got to be a depth piece, he was forced to play in a starting role.
Demarcus Robinson spent a long time with Kansas City and has very good hands. As the rotational third and fourth receiver, Robinson did a very nice job in Kansas City. While he became the butt of a lot of jokes toward the end of his time in Kansas City, Robinson finished his career in Kansas City with 145 receptions, 1679 yards, and 14 touchdowns.
Impact on Chiefs History:
Some day, we will look back and remember the Patrick Mahomes to Tyreek Hill connection fondly. While it was not quite as productive as the Peyton Manning to Marvin Harrison combination, it was one that everyone will remember. Mahomes with the cannon for an arm and Tyreek Hill being able to run under the ball. We will all remember how Tyreek Hill kept the Chiefs alive in some scenarios and the impact he had on the team’s success.
Tyreek Hill may be a Dolphin, but Chris Jones is not. As aforementioned, Jones is a terrific pass-rusher. For now, he is the best player that the Chiefs have on the defensive side of the ball. Likely a “Ring of Honor” candidate, Jones has effectively altered offensive game plans and fired up the Arrowhead crowds for years. We expect even more greatness before he retires.
With Hill, Jones, and all of the other pieces in this class, the Chiefs found stars on both sides of the ball that elevated them to the next level of greatness and depth that built the framework for years. This is one of the most overlooked and underrated drafts in Chiefs history.