A Look at the Kansas City Chiefs' Fifth-Round Draft Picks 🏈

When reflecting on the history of the Kansas City Chiefs, one can’t ignore the contributions of fifth-round draft picks. Since 1967, this round has been notable for producing players who have made a significant impact on the team. As we dive into the Chiefs' fifth-round history, it’s fascinating to see how these selections have shaped the franchise.

The Fifth-Round Picks: A Year-by-Year Breakdown 📅

Let's take a look at the players that Kansas City has selected in the fifth round over the years:

2024 | Pick No. 159 | Hunter Nourzad | OL | Penn State
2023 | Pick No. 166 | BJ Thompson | DE | Stephen F. Austin
2022 | Pick No. 145 | Darian Kinnard | OT | Kentucky
2021 | Pick No. 181 | Cornell Powell | WR | Clemson
2021 | Pick No. 162 | Noah Gray | TE | Duke
2020 | Pick No. 177 | Mike Danna | DE | Michigan
2017 | Pick No. 183 | Ukeme Eligwe | LB | Georgia Southern
2016 | Pick No. 165 | Tyreek Hill | WR | West Alabama
2016 | Pick No. 162 | Kevin Hogan | QB | Stanford
2015 | Pick No. 173 | James O'Shaughnessy | TE | Illinois State
2015 | Pick No. 172 | D.J. Alexander | OLB | Oregon State
2014 | Pick No. 163 | Aaron Murray | QB | Georgia
2013 | Pick No. 134 | Sanders Commings | DB | Georgia
2012 | Pick No. 146 | DeQuan Menzie | DB | Alabama
2011 | Pick No. 140 | Gabe Miller | LB | Oregon State
2011 | Pick No. 135 | Ricky Stanzi | QB | Iowa
2010 | Pick No. 142 | Cameron Sheffield | DE | Troy
2010 | Pick No. 136 | Kendrick Lewis | DB | Mississippi
2009 | Pick No. 139 | Colin Brown | T | Missouri
2008 | Pick No. 140 | Brandon Carr | DB | Grand Valley State
2007 | Pick No. 160 | Justin Medlock | K | UCLA
2007 | Pick No. 148 | Kolby Smith | RB | Louisville
2006 | Pick No. 154 | Marcus Maxey | DB | Miami (FL)
2005 | Pick No. 147 | Alphonso Hodge | DB | Miami (OH)
2005 | Pick No. 138 | Boomer Grigsby | LB | Illinois State
2003 | Pick No. 153 | Jordan Black | T | Notre Dame
2002 | Pick No. 143 | Scott Fujita | LB | California
2001 | Pick No. 150 | Derrick Blaylock | RB | Stephen F. Austin
2001 | Pick No. 141 | Bill Baber | TE | Virginia
2000 | Pick No. 162 | Pat Dennis | DB | Louisiana-Monroe
2000 | Pick No. 153 | Dante Hall | WR | Texas A&M
1998 | Pick No. 128 | Robert Williams | DB | North Carolina
1997 | Pick No. 163 | June Henley | RB | Kansas
1996 | Pick No. 135 | Joe Horn | WR | Itawamba Junior College
1995 | Pick No. 164 | Jerrott Willard | LB | California
1995 | Pick No. 155 | Mike Pelton | DT | Auburn
1994 | Pick No. 156 | Rob Waldrop | DT | Arizona
1994 | Pick No. 151 | James Burton | DB | Fresno State
1993 | Pick No. 130 | Lindsay Knapp | G | Notre Dame
1991 | Pick No. 133 | Charles Mincy | DB | Washington
1990 | Pick No. 127 | Ken Hackemack | T | Texas
1990 | Pick No. 124 | Derrick Graham | G | Appalachian State
1987 | Pick No. 128 | Kitrick Taylor | WR | Washington State
1985 | Pick No. 126 | Bruce King | RB | Purdue
1984 | Pick No. 134 | Jeff Paine | LB | Texas A&M
1984 | Pick No. 117 | Eric Holle | NT | Texas
1983 | Pick No. 119 | Jim Arnold | P | Vanderbilt
1982 | Pick No. 130 | Del Thompson | RB | Texas-El Paso
1981 | Pick No. 124 | Todd Thomas | C | North Dakota
1980 | Pick No. 115 | Dan Pensick | DT | Nebraska
1980 | Pick No. 114 | Carlos Carson | WR | LSU
1979 | Pick No. 112 | Earl Gant | RB | Missouri
1978 | Pick No. 134 | Robert Woods | WR | Grambling State
1978 | Pick No. 118 | Dwight Carey | DT | Texas-Arlington
1978 | Pick No. 112 | Jerrold McRae | WR | Tennessee State
1976 | Pick No. 144 | Jimbo Elrod | LB | Oklahoma
1976 | Pick No. 137 | Willie Lee | DT | Bethune-Cookman
1973 | Pick No. 120 | Fred Grambau | DE | Michigan
1972 | Pick No. 127 | Milt Davis | DE | Texas-Arlington
1971 | Pick No. 120 | Mike Adamle | RB | Northwestern
1970 | Pick No. 130 | Mike Oriard | C | Notre Dame
1969 | Pick No. 126 | Bob Stein | LB | Minnesota

The Impact of Fifth-Round Picks on the Team 🌟

Over the years, many of those fifth-round selections have made their mark on the field. Here’s a closer look at a few notable achievements:

Hunter Nourzad (2024): The offensive lineman has already shown promise, appearing in all 17 games during his rookie season, primarily on special teams, before contributing on offense in a critical Week 18 matchup.
Tyreek Hill (2016): Drafted as a fifth-round pick, Hill quickly became one of the most explosive wide receivers in the game. With over 6,600 career receiving yards, he ranks among the top players in franchise history.
Dante Hall (2000): Known as one of the best return specialists in NFL history, Hall electrified fans with 13 total return touchdowns during his time with Kansas City. He famously set the record for consecutive games with a return score in 2003.
Carlos Carson (1980): Inducted into the team's Ring of Honor in 2017, Carson holds the record for most games played by a fifth-round pick, with 120 appearances in a Chiefs uniform.
Mike Danna (2020): The defensive end has been a force on the field, showcasing his talent with 20.5 sacks and a remarkable number of quarterback hits throughout his ongoing career with Kansas City.

Longevity and Performance 💪

It’s noteworthy that out of the 62 fifth-round picks the Chiefs have made over the years, 45 have seen game action in a Kansas City uniform. This percentage reflects the ability of the team to identify and develop talent, even in the later rounds of the draft.

The contributions of these players have sometimes been overlooked, but they have bolstered the team's depth and enhanced its competitive edge. From stellar performances in crucial games to long-term careers, the fifth-round selections have played pivotal roles in the franchise's journey.

Conclusion

As fans look toward future drafts, it's essential to appreciate the history and the players that have worn the red and gold. The fifth-round picks have not only provided depth but also turned into stars in their own right, showcasing the importance of every selection, no matter the round. The journey of the Kansas City Chiefs is one marked by substantial contributions from these seemingly unassuming choices, proving that talent can indeed emerge from anywhere! 🌟🏆