KC Chiefs have history of drafting defensive anchors in first round

2. Neil Smith – 1988 NFL Draft (No. 2 overall)

I’m taking Neil Smith here because of his overall body of work, but I also think the Chiefs’ great Art Still could also be mentioned. Both players are in the Chiefs Hall of Fame, and it’s arguable that Smith could be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well.

Smith was a monster for the Chiefs’ defense throughout the ’90s, and he racked up 104.5 sacks over his career. When speaking of all-time Chiefs’ first-round defensive talents, McDuffie and Karlaftis would do well to learn about this Chiefs great. But Smith isn’t the only Chiefs legend that McDuffie, and especially Karlaftis should familiarize themselves with…

1. Derrick Thomas – 1989 NFL Draft (No. 4 overall)

Who else could it be? When thinking of defensive players the Chiefs have drafted in the first round, nobody beats the legendary Derrick Thomas. It’s unlikely that McDuffie and Karlaftis will ever be able to fill the first-round shoes established by Thomas. Nobody has yet, and it’s hard to imagine someone will. But if you want to become a fan favorite, Hall of Fame player, and play for the Chiefs, the late, great, Derrick Thomas is who you have to keep your eyes on. As a pass rusher specifically, Karlaftis ought to have Thomas’ record 7-sack game in the back of his mind at all times.