KC Chiefs have history of drafting defensive anchors in first round

The Kansas City Chiefs drafted two new players in the first round this year. How will they compare to these five previous first-round picks?

The Kansas City Chiefs typically only have one first-round pick, and for the past decade, it has often been near the end of the round. However, this year, thanks to the Tyreek Hill trade, the Chiefs had two first-round selections. Originally they were scheduled to select at 29 and 30, but after a trade-up, they ended up taking prospects at No. 21 and 30 instead.

The first pick for the Chiefs this spring was Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie at No. 21, and the second pick at No. 30 was Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis. Both picks stirred quite a bit of excitement among Chiefs Kingdom. With that excitement comes great expectations.

Every first-round pick has high expectations, especially when a team like the Chiefs has a history of drafting great first-round players. Of all the draft picks the Chiefs have made in the first round, here are the top 5 defensive players that McDuffie and Karlaftis really have to live up to.

5. Safety Eric Berry – 2010 NFL Draft (No. 5 overall)

In hindsight, the Eric Berry era was short, but it sure was sweet. Not only was Berry a stud safety (when he was healthy), but he was also a homegrown talent and a fan favorite. When he was diagnosed with cancer, my girlfriend at the time said, “His football career is over.” But not for Berry, who beat cancer and came back to play at a Comeback Player of the Year winning level. Trent McDuffie should be looking to Berry as an inspiration, not only for stellar defensive back play but also for how to endear himself to the hearts of Chiefs fans everywhere.

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