Throwback Thursday: The All-time Chiefs Draft Classes To Live Up To

The 2026 NFL Draft class for the Kansas City Chiefs is one of the most important groups of draft picks in the history of the franchise, given the impact it could have on the remainder of the current dynasty with quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Which all-time draft classes does this group need to live up to?

The first class to compare it to is from the 2022 draft, arguably the most impressive class general manager Brett Veach has put together, with the advantage of added draft picks.

• Round 1, pick 21: Cornerback Trent McDuffie
• Round 1, pick 30: Defensive end George Karlaftis
• Round 2, pick 54: Wide receiver Skyy Moore
• Round 2, pick 62: Safety Bryan Cook
• Round 3, pick 103: Linebacker Leo Chenal
• Round 4, pick 135: Cornerback Joshua Williams
• Round 5, pick 145: Offensive tackle Darian Kinnard
• Round 7, pick 243: Cornerback Jaylen Watson
• Round 7, pick 251: Running back Isiah Pacheco
• Round 7, pick 259: Cornerback Nazeeh Johnson

Another impressive draft in modern Chiefs history was the 2008 class, which added multiple pieces that helped the team become AFC West champions in 2010. Among others, here were the significant picks from that year.

• Round 1, pick 5: Defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey
• Round 1, pick 15: Offensive tackle Brandon Albert
• Round 2, pick 35: Cornerback Brandon Flowers
• Round 3, pick 73: Running back Jamaal Charles
• Round 5, pick 140: Cornerback Brandon Carr

The 1984 draft class produced three Pro Bowl players:

• Round 1, pick 5: Nose tackle Bill Maas
• Round 1, pick 21: Offensive tackle John Alt
• Round 7, pick 173: Defensive back Kevin Ross

For the best possible results, the team would have to turn back the clock all the way to the 1963 draft.

• Round 1, pick 1: Defensive tackle Buck Buchanan
• Round 1, pick 8: Guard Ed Budde
• Round 7, pick 56: Linebacker Bobby Bell

There were 24 Pro Bowl appearances and two Hall of Fame inductions between these three selections.

Are there any other draft classes in team history that stand out to you? What about across NFL history? Go down draft-memory lane in the comments!