KC Chiefs: 15 Best Second Round Draft Picks of All-Time

[caption id="attachment_28302" align="aligncenter" width="850"]<img class="size-full wp-image-28302" src="https://kckingdom.com/files/2014/10/knile-davis-nfl-st.-louis-rams-kansas-city-chiefs1.jpg" alt="Oct 26, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Knile Davis (34) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the St. Louis Rams at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports" width="850" height="565" /> Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn The KC Chiefs have had some impressive second round picks in their storied history. Some of these guys have gone on to make it into the Chiefs Hall of Fame, and one even made his way into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. rnWhile not as glamorous as the first round picks, second round picks can be huge players for organizations. Sometimes, the second round pick can even end up outshining the first rounder and can go on to be one of the best players on a team.rnrnThe Chiefs have had some pretty great second round draft choices, and since it's NFL Draft season, KC Kingdom is counting them down. A few weeks ago, we compiled the best first round picks ever, and now it's time for the second round.rnrnWhat I will say before we get started, is that this list was much tougher. Sure, there were some no-brainers near the top of the list, but there were also a lot of "Who?" players.rnrnThese rankings were based on overall performance while with the Chiefs as well as tenure with the team. Hopefully you enjoy these rankings and remember that this is all in good fun.rn **THIS LIST WAS INITIALLY PUBLISHED IN APRIL 2016 AND WAS UPDATED IN APRIL 2020** rn[nextpost teaser="Number 15" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_69098" align="aligncenter" width="2897"] Bernard Pollard #49 of the KC Chiefs (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)[/caption]rn Best Second Round Picks of All-Time - Honorable Mention: Bernard Pollard (Chiefs safety from 2006-2008) rnWhile not a member of the KC Chiefs for very long, Bernard Pollard barely missed out on the list. Pollard was a hard hitting safety in the secondary, and singlehandedly ended Tom Brady 's season in 2008 (which then led to Matt Cassel eventually coming to Kansas City... So... Thanks?).rnrnPollard, a Purdue Boilermaker in college, was drafted by Kansas City 54th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft. He mainly saw special teams action during his rookie year, but soon became a decent safety for the Chiefs.rnrnHe ended his Chiefs career with 162 tackles, nine defended passes, three interceptions, and one safety. His safety came in a game against the Denver Broncos in 2007 when he blocked a Broncos punt that rolled out of the end zone.rnrnAfter the 2008 season, the Chiefs released Pollard and he went on to play for the Houston Texans (2009 and 2010), Baltimore Ravens (2011 and 2012), and Tennessee Titans (2013 and 2014). He was a member of the Super Bowl Champion Ravens team in the 2012 season.rnrnAgain, Pollard wasn't a Chief for very long, but he led the team in tackles in 2008 and always had a fiery energy on the field. He was one of my favorite defensive players at that time, and I was bummed when the Chiefs released him.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Number 15" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_26298" align="aligncenter" width="850"] Kansas City Chiefs fans - Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn Best Second Round Picks of All-Time - Number 15: Charlie Getty (Chiefs offensive tackle/guard from 1974-1982) rnNot one of the flashiest names you'll see on this list, but Charlie Getty earned his spot as one of the team's best second round picks by playing for the team for nine seasons. He was Kansas City's 41st overall pick in the 1974 NFL Draft, and attended Penn State in college.rnrnGetty was a versatile guy along the line, jumping between tackle and guard all throughout his career, which is something that all teams love in offensive linemen to this day. He started 103 games while in Kansas City and played in 119 total.rnrnOffensive linemen don't get a lot of love due to the lack of stats they put up, but Getty did what a lineman is supposed to do. He played for the team for nine seasons, protected the quarterback, and showed that he was worthy of the 41st overall pick in 74.rnrnAfter nine seasons in Kansas City, Charlie Getty played for the Green Bay Packers for a year before calling it a career.rnrnAccording to Wikipedia, Getty once worked as a strength and conditioning coach for Evangel University after his football days were over.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Number 14" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_69097" align="aligncenter" width="3000"] Tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes of the Cincinnati Bengals (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)[/caption]rn Best Second Round Picks of All-Time - Number 14: Jonathan Hayes (Chiefs tight end from 1985-1993) rnAnother name that not many know (unless you happen to be a diehard Cincinnati Bengals fan) is Jonathan Hayes , who the Chiefs drafted 41st overall in the 1985 NFL Draft. Hayes spent nine years as the team's tight end and had 135 receptions for 1,541 yards and 12 touchdowns.rnrnWhile those stats are mind blowing (not like the tight ends' stats now anyway), what was impressive about Hayes was how well he ran with the football after the catch. He averaged 13.8 yards a carry during his final season in Kansas City in 1993, and his lowest yards/carry during his KC career was 7.8.rnrnHayes started 53 games and played in 95 total during his nine seasons as a Chiefs tight end. His best year came during that 1993 season when he had 24 receptions for 331 yards and one touchdown. He was never the star on the team, but he did enough to prove his value and was a reliable guy on the roster.rnrnAfter nine seasons as a Chief, Hayes finished out his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers before hanging up the cleats. He currently is the tight ends coach for the Bengals, and have you seen Tyler Eifert play? He's pretty good, and he has a great guy coaching him up.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Number 13" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_65721" align="aligncenter" width="850"] Kansas City Chiefs fans - Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn Best Second Round Picks of All-Time - Number 13: Dave Lutz (Chiefs offensive tackle/guard from 1983-1992) rnHere's another case of a long tenured Chief, and it's Dave Lutz . Lutz spent ten seasons as a member of the KC Chiefs as an offensive tackle and offensive guard. He played right tackle for six seasons before being switched to right guard in 1989, where he really excelled.rnrnThe Chiefs drafted Lutz 34th overall in the 1983 NFL Draft. Lutz attended Georgia Tech and was a standout tackle in his college days.rnrnDuring his time in a Chiefs uniform, Lutz started 123 games and played in 139 total. From 1989 to 1992 (his time as a starter at right guard), he only missed one start.rnrnAfter ten seasons as a Chief, Lutz finished his career with the Detroit Lions and played there until after the 1995 season.rnrnIt's tough to find decent stats on offensive linemen in the NFL, especially older players, but Dave Lutz's long tenure in Kansas City and his ability to start almost every game each season puts him at number 13 on this list.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Number 12" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_68170" align="aligncenter" width="850"] Kansas City Chiefs tackle Jeff Allen (71) - Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn Best Second Round Picks of All-Time - Number 12: Jeff Allen (Chiefs offensive tackle from 2012-2015, 2018-2019) rnAnother offensive lineman comes in on the list, and it's a more noticeable name for current Chiefs fans in Jeff Allen .rnrnJeff Allen, the Chiefs' 44th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, spent four years in Kansas City and then returned for another two seasons at the end of his careerr. He saw time at the left guard position and both tackle spots.rnrnAllen came in handy the most during the 2015 season when the Chiefs had several injuries occur to their offensive line. Most notably, a game against the Bills in which Eric Fisher and Mitch Morse both had to exit due to injuries and concussions.rnrnAllen had already left the game due to an ankle injury, but was named the swing in case another injury did occur. When Morse got hurt, Allen had his helmet on and was out on the field to help block. It's pretty big of a guy who's already injured to go out and risk his body for his team, and that's just what Jeff Allen did.rnrnAllen very well could have been considered the team's best offensive lineman at one point in time, but injuries always seemed to derail his time in Kansas City. He only started one game in 2014 and only started eight in 2015 before signing with the Texans. His time in Houston was short and Allen was back with the Chiefs in 2018 and 2019.rnrnDespite his injury problems, Jeff Allen is still considered one of the team's best second round picks.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Number 11" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_69096" align="aligncenter" width="3875"] Kansas City Chiefs running back Joe Delaney (37) - CREDIT: Peter Read Miller (Photo by Peter Read Miller /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) [/caption]rn Best Second Round Picks of All-Time - Number 11: Joe Delaney (Chiefs running back in 1981 and 1982) rnWhen one hears the name Joe Delaney , they immediately think "Hero". It's so true and despite only spending two seasons in the NFL, Joe Delaney is easily one of the Chiefs' best second round draft picks ever.rnrnDelaney, a standout running back at Northwestern State of Louisiana, was Kansas City's 41st overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft. He did not disappoint during his two years as a Chief.rnrnDelaney rushed for 1,121 yards as a rookie in 1981 and had three touchdowns to his name. His longest run was for 82 yards. Delaney also had nearly 250 yards receiving that year and was the shining star on the team during his ten starts.rnrnOverall, Delaney ran for just over 1,500 yards and had three trips to the end zone. He made it to the Pro Bowl in 1981 and was also named the UPI AFC Rookie of the Year as well.rnrnSadly, Joe Delaney's life was cut short. In the summer of 1983, Delaney dove into a water hole to save three children who were drowning. Delaney couldn't swim, but did what he could to save the kids and gave his life to save theirs. It's so amazing that someone could be as unselfish as Delaney was that day.rnrnSince his death, Joe Delaney's number was retired (37) and he was inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2004. His name is in the Ring of Honor at Arrowhead Stadium, where his legend will live on forever.rnrnRest in peace, Joe Delaney.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Number 10" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_39737" align="aligncenter" width="850"] Kansas City Chiefs fans and cheerleaders -Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn Best Second Round Picks of All-Time - Number 10: Wilbur Young (Chiefs defensive end from 1971-1977) rnIn the 1971 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Wilbur Young with the 39th overall pick. He went on to play in Kansas City for seven years and was named UPI First-Team All-Team in 1979.rnrnIn seven years as a Chief, Young started 70 games (played in 94 total). He might not be a super well known name, but Young was a reliable defensive force while a member of the Chiefs.rnrnDespite being a force to be reckoned with in Kansas City, Young was traded to the San Diego Chargers during the 1978 offseason. Young spent two full seasons and half of the 1981 season with the Chargers before heading to Washington to play for the Redskins for the rest of the 81 season. He then finished out his career in San Diego in 1982.rnrnSadly, Young passed away in 2014. He makes the top ten of this list due to his seven years he spent as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Number 9" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_15311" align="aligncenter" width="850"] Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers (24) - Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn Best Second Round Picks of All-Time - Number 9: Brandon Flowers (Chiefs cornerback from 2008-2013) rnIn 2008, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Brandon Flowers with the 35th overall, and he went on to be one of the team's best cornerbacks in recent history.rnrnFlowers, a standout at Virginia Tech, started in 87 games over six seasons in Kansas City. He had 17 interceptions, including a career high five in 2009, and 92 defended passes. He had 328 tackles as a Chief.rnrnFlowers was a staple in the Chiefs' secondary and had his best season in 2013, where he made it to the Pro Bowl and was voted as the 75th player on the NFL's Top 100 Players that year. That season would be Flowers' last as a Chief, as he was released during the offseason due to needing to free up cap space.rnrnThe San Diego Chargers quickly signed Flowers, but he hasn't made too much of an effect there. He only started ten games in 2015, as injuries kept him sidelined.rnrnDespite signing with a rival, Brandon Flowers is still one of the KC Chiefs' best second round picks of all-time.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Number 8" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_52399" align="aligncenter" width="850"] Kansas City Chiefs center Rodney Hudson (61) - Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn Best Second Round Picks of All-Time - Number 8: Rodney Hudson (Chiefs center from 2011-2014) rnYet another staple along the offensive line came to Kansas City during the second round, and this one was Rodney Hudson . Hudson wasn't drafted as a center by the Chiefs. In fact, when he was drafted out of Florida State with the 55th overall pick in 2011, Hudson was put at left guard that season.rnrnIt wasn't until the next season when Casey Wiegmann retired that Hudson was put into the role of starting center, where he fared quite nicely.rnrnThroughout the next three seasons, Hudson was one of the best centers in the league. In 2014, he was really the only reliable guy along that treacherous offensive line, and the Chiefs sadly couldn't afford to keep his services during the offseason.rnrnHudson took his talents to the Oakland Raiders, where he was given a five-year deal worth $44.5 million. Not bad for a center.rnrnDespite yet another talented second rounder signing with a division rival, Rodney Hudson was one of the best picks the Chiefs had in round two.rnrnYou're welcome, Oakland.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Number 7" slider="true"]rn rnrn[caption id="attachment_69069" align="aligncenter" width="3600"] Quarterback Joe Montana #19 of the Kansas City Chiefs prepares to take the snap from center Tim Grunhard #61 (Photo by Joseph Patronite/Getty Images)[/caption]rn Best Second Round Picks of All-Time - Number 7: Tim Grunhard (Chiefs center from 1990-2000) rnThe Chiefs drafted not just one, but two great centers in the second round of the draft. One of the best centers in Chiefs history is none other than Tim Grunhard , who the Chiefs drafted 40th overall in the 1990 NFL Draft.rnrnGrunhard spent all 11 seasons of his NFL career in Kansas City and was an anchor on the Chiefs' offensive line during that time. He started 164 games during that time and played in 169 total.rnrnFrom 1993 to 1999, Tim Grunhard didn't miss a single start. He made it to his one and only Pro Bowl in 1999 and paved the way for Casey Wiegmann to take over at the center position when he retired in 2000.rnrnGrunhard began the tradition of the Chiefs having a solid center, and it's something they've tried to continue since then. Whenever you have a player who stays with the same team their entire career, let alone over a decade, you know you have a special player on your hands.rnrnTim Grunhard was just that, and he comes in at number seven on this list. He also was ranked as the 27th Greatest Chief of All-Time by KC Kingdom's staff.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Number 6" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_26301" align="aligncenter" width="850"] Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn Best Second Round Picks of All-Time - Number 6: Mike Livingston (Chiefs quarterback from 1968-1979) rnThe Kansas City Chiefs haven't had much luck in recent years with drafting and developing quarterbacks. They did a pretty good job in the 1968 AFL Draft though when they selected Mike Livingston out of SMU with the 48th overall pick.rnrnLivingston was basically a backup during his entire time as a member of the Chiefs, but he came through when needed. His biggest moment(s) came during the 1969 season when starter and Hall of Famer Len Dawson went down, Livingston filled in admirably.rnrnHe went on to throw for 1,123 yards and four touchdowns in six starts and helped lead the team to the playoffs. In case you forgot, the 1969 season was when the Chiefs won their lone Super Bowl. Livingston helped get them in that position, but he never was the team's franchise guy.rnrnLivingston started a total of 75 games for the Chiefs during his 12 years in Kansas City and threw for 11,295 yards and 56 touchdowns. He was an AFL All-Star in 1969 and also was on the 1969 Super Bowl winning KC Chiefs team.rnrnDespite having a losing record as a starter (31-43-1), Mike Livingston is still one of the best quarterbacks that the Kansas City Chiefs have ever had.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Number 5" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_66327" align="aligncenter" width="3600"] Running Back Ed Podolak #14 of the Kansas City Chiefs (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)[/caption]rn Best Second Round Picks of All-Time - Number 5: Ed Podolak (Chiefs running back from 1969-1977) rnOne year after selecting Mike Livingston in the second round, the KC Chiefs struck again with Ed Podolak . They selected Podolak out of Iowa with the 48th overall pick, and he went on to spend nine years in Kansas City.rnrnPodolak rushed for 4,451 yards during his pro career, which is good for fifth all-time in franchise history . It's pretty impressive that a guy who last played for the team nearly four decades ago still is in the top five when it comes to all-time leading rushers, but Ed Podolak was a talented running back.rnrnDespite being with the team in 1969, the year in which they won it all, Podolak was ineffective that year. He only played in four games, but didn't see the field much. He still got a Super Bowl ring and is a Chiefs legend.rnrnHis best season came in 1971, his third year in the pros, when he rushed for 708 yards and nine touchdowns. He also had an impressive game in the playoffs that season, rushing for 85 yards and a touchdown in the team's one postseason game.rnrnEd Podolak was inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 1989.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Number%204" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_113549" align="aligncenter" width="3200"] Chris Jones #95 of the Kansas City Chiefs (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)[/caption]rn Best Second Round Picks of All-Time - Number 4: Chris Jones (Chiefs defensive tackle from 2016-Present) rnAfter trading out of the first round in 2016, the Chiefs were able to land Chris Jones with their first pick of that year's draft (37th overall). Jones made a good impression with Chiefs Kingdom early on, smiling and dancing when his name was called on Day 2.rnrnIn his first four seasons, Jones appeared in 61 games and started 41 of those. He's totaled 136 tackles (37 for loss) while notching 33 sacks paired with 72 quarterback hits. His best season came in 2018 where he had a whopping 15.5 sacks and helped get the Chiefs a one seed in the postseason.rnrnWhile Jones' 2019 season wasn't as stellar, his efforts were needed in the Super Bowl and a batted ball by Jones proved to make a huge difference in the grand scheme of things. Jones has been a fan favorite since the team took him 37th overall and there could have been a strong case for him to be ranked much higher on this list, but with his future somewhat in doubt, he currently sits in the four spot.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Number 3" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_66329" align="aligncenter" width="3090"] Christian Okoye #35 of the Kansas City Chiefs (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery/Getty Images)[/caption]rn Best Second Round Picks of All-Time - Number 3: Christian Okoye (Chiefs running back from 1987-1992) rnAhhhh yes. Christian Okoye . The Nigerian Nightmare.rnrnOkoye was the team's 35th overall pick in the 1987 NFL Draft and went on to spend six seasons as the Chiefs' offensive weapon. He started 65 games and rushed for just under 4,900 yards, good for fourth all-time in Chiefs history .rnrnDuring his six seasons in Kansas City, Okoye won the Ed Blocke Courage Award in 1988, earned two trips to the Pro Bowl in 1989 and 1991, was the league's rushing leader in 1989, named All-Pro in 1989, and voted as the UPI AFC Offensive Player of the Year in 1989.rnrnThat 1989 season was kind to Okoye, as he rushed for 1,480 yards and 12 touchdowns. He earned his nickname as the Nigerian Nightmare due to his size (6'1" and 253 pounds) and ran his way into the KC record books. He was ranked as the 20th Greatest Chief of All-Time by KC Kingdom's staff.rnrnI was too young to remember watching Christian Okoye play, but there's no doubt that he was one of the Chiefs' best running backs of all-time. He was voted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2000.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Number 2" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_69066" align="aligncenter" width="3600"] Linebacker Jim Lynch #51 of the Kansas City Chiefs (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)[/caption]rn Best Second Round Picks of All-Time - Number 2: Jim Lynch (Chiefs linebacker from 1967-1977) rnThe second best second round draft choice in Kansas City Chiefs history was none other than Jim Lynch . Lynch, a standout at Notre Dame, was the team's 47th overall pick in the 1967 AFL Draft.rnrnJim Lynch went on to start 127 games over 11 seasons. He had 17 interceptions during that time and is considered one of the best linebackers in Chiefs history.rnrnDuring Lynch's time as a member of the Chiefs, he earned one Pro Bowl election in 1968 and also was apart of the Super Bowl IV Championship team. Lynch played alongside Chiefs legend Willie Lanier and Bobby Bell , both of whom are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.rnrnWhile Lynch didn't make the Pro Hall of Fame, he did make it into the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 1990. He made it into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992.rnrnLynch is number two on this list because the guy at number one is a Hall of Famer. Just who he is though?rnrn[nextpost teaser="Number 1" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_69065" align="aligncenter" width="3601"] Linebacker Willie Lanier #63 of the Kansas City Chiefs (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)[/caption]rn Best Second Round Picks of All-Time - Number 1: Willie Lanier (Chiefs linebacker from 1967-1977) rnWas there any doubt on this one?rnrn[related-category]rnrnWillie Lanier and Jim Lynch came out of the same draft and in the same round. Lanier was actually taken three picks behind Lynch though, making him the Chiefs' 50th overall pick in the 1967 AFL Draft.rnrnLanier, or "Contact" as he was often referred to during his time in the pros, spent 11 seasons as a member of the KC Chiefs and racked up a lot of awards during that time, including six Pro Bowls (1970-1975), two AFL All-Star Awards (1968, 1969), eight-time All-Pro (1968-1975), and NFL Man of the Year (1972). He was on the Super Bowl IV championship team.rnrnLanier had his jersey retired by the Chiefs (63) and made it into the team's Hall of Fame in 1985. He made it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.rnrnHe recorded 27 interceptions during his 11 years with the Chiefs and never played for another football team in the pros. Lanier is not only the best second round pick for Kansas City, but he's one of their greatest players ever, coming in at number four on KC Kingdom's all-time Chiefs list .rnrn[nextpost teaser="So?" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_66024" align="aligncenter" width="850"] Kansas City Chiefs fans - Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rn The Kansas City Chiefs have had some great picks in the second round over the years, including Willie Lanier, Jim Lynch, and Christian Okoye. rnWhile second rounders aren't usually as glamorous as the first rounders, they still play a huge role in a team's success. Normally they're taken with the hopes of starting early on in their career, and Chiefs fans have seen just how good a second round pick can do.rnrnWe've seen that being with the same team for your entire career puts a player in an elite place with fans. It shows that they care about the franchise and want to experience success with that team. Hopefully, whoever the Chiefs take in the second round this year will be in that same boat.rnrn[nextpost teaser="15 Best First Round Picks in Franchise History" url="https://kckingdom.com/2016/03/18/kc-chiefs-15-best-first-round-draft-picks-of-all-time/"]rnrnWhat did you think of this list? Did I leave anybody off?rnrn Thanks to Pro Football Reference and Wikipedia for the stats and awards

KC Kingdom

KC Chiefs: 15 Best Second Round Draft Picks of All-Time

The KC Chiefs have had some impressive second round picks in their storied history. Some of these guys have gone on to make it into the Chiefs Hall of Fame, and one even made his way into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

THIS LIST WAS INITIALLY PUBLISHED IN APRIL 2016 AND WAS UPDATED IN APRIL 2020

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