Kansas City Chiefs Draft Day Bargains: Five Best Value Picks

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

5. RT Dave Hill, 24th round 1963 (192 overall), Auburn—Dave Hill never played in the pro-bowl, but he started for 11 seasons on what was probably the best offensive line in the AFL.

While there were only 8 AFL teams in 1963, the 24th round means that almost 200 picks went by before the Chiefs took a guy that became a solid starter for 11 professional seasons.

That’s a bargain by any measure.

Perhaps the reason Hill slid so far was because the New York Giants took him in the 5th round of the NFL draft. Those were the days of the AFL-NFL rivalry, and many prospects chose the more-established NFL over the AFL.

In an era where players made only fraction of what they do today, New York also offered far better post-football career opportunities.

The Chiefs, however, managed to sign the 6-5 260lb. right tackle. Dave Hill won a starting position his rookie season and played in 149 games for the team. At one point, he made 9 years of consecutive starts.

Dave Hill played through the glory years of the franchise: winning two AFL Championships, started in both Super Bowl I and IV, and played in the longest NFL game (the famed 1971 Christmas Day playoff game vs. the Miami Dolphins).

In Super Bowl IV, Hill was at his best. He was part of a line that dominated what many considered an all-time great defensive front four: Minnesota’s Purple People Eaters. Hill spent most of the day matched up with Carl Eller, and dominated the future Hall-of-Fame defensive end.

Dave Hill retired after the 1974 season.

Next: Number 4