Last week, ESPN dug through more than five decades of NFL Draft history to compile a definitive list of the best all-time selections at every draft slot—from pick No. 1 all the way to No. 262. Among the players recognized, 11 Kansas City Chiefs draft picks made the cut, showcasing the franchise’s impressive track record in identifying elite talent across eras.

All of the top 100 picks on the list were analyzed by ESPN’s Ben Solak, who curated the rankings based on historical performance, accolades, and long-term impact.

Here’s a breakdown of each Chiefs player who earned a spot on the list:

No. 10 – QB Patrick Mahomes (2017)
Mahomes is the first active player to appear on the list and is already outshining Hall of Famers like Rod Woodson, Terrell Suggs, and Marcus Allen. With two MVP awards, three Super Bowl championships, and three Super Bowl MVPs, Mahomes is already building one of the strongest cases to eventually be considered the greatest quarterback of all time.

No. 37 – DT Chris Jones (2016)
Solak debated between Jones and Randall Cunningham for this spot but ultimately gave the nod to Jones due to his dominance in the trenches. With three consecutive first-team All-Pro honors and a key role in three Super Bowl wins, Jones has solidified himself as one of the best interior defenders of his era.

No. 50 – LB Willie Lanier (1967)
A Hall of Fame enforcer from the 1970s, Lanier racked up eight All-Pro selections and was a centerpiece of the Super Bowl IV championship team. Known for his physical style—his nickname was literally “Contact”—Lanier’s dominance helped define an era of Chiefs football.

No. 66 – TE Travis Kelce (2013)
While Kelce may fall short of Tony Gonzalez’s career stats, he will almost certainly surpass him in Super Bowl titles. Already a Hall of Fame lock, Kelce’s connection with Mahomes and role as a face of the 2020s NFL narrative cements his place among the all-time greats.

No. 74 – OG Will Shields (1993)
Out of the three Hall of Famers selected at No. 74 overall, Shields stands out. He played 224 games (223 starts) over 14 seasons without ever missing a game and made 12 consecutive Pro Bowls. One of the most durable and consistent linemen in NFL history.

No. 101 – C Jack Rudnay (1969)
A pillar of the Chiefs’ offensive line during the 1970s, Rudnay’s steady presence helped anchor Kansas City’s front for over a decade.

No. 126 – DE Jared Allen (2004)
Allen went on to become one of the NFL’s top pass rushers, logging 136 career sacks and earning five Pro Bowl selections.

No. 153 – KR/PR Dante Hall (2000)
Known as the “Human Joystick,” Hall revolutionized the return game in the early 2000s with his jaw-dropping agility and game-breaking speed.

No. 165 – WR Tyreek Hill (2016)
Before being traded to Miami, Hill was a key part of the Chiefs’ offensive explosion. A six-time Pro Bowler with unmatched speed, he redefined what a deep threat could be.

No. 226 – OG Trey Smith (2021)
A late-round steal, Smith has become a starter on a Super Bowl-winning offensive line, proving his worth far beyond his draft slot.

No. 256 – K Ryan Succop (2009)
One of the most successful “Mr. Irrelevant” picks in NFL history, Succop enjoyed a long, consistent career and even won a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers.

Overall, the 11 selections by the Chiefs were the sixth-most of any NFL team, trailing only the 49ers (17), Steelers (15), Dolphins (14), Vikings (13), and Patriots (12). It’s a testament to Kansas City’s ability to find impact players at nearly every stage of the draft—from top-10 picks to the final selection.