Everything you always wanted to know about KU players in the NFL draft but were afraid to ask because you’re too obsessed with basketball

By Staff     Apr 25, 2018

article image
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib smiles at his introductory news conference. Talib, a former Kansas University All-American, met the media Monday in Tampa, Fla.

Kansas has had 16 players selected in the NFL draft this century, but just one who has gone in the first three rounds. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers used their first-round pick, the 20th overall, to select cornerback Aqib Talib in 2008.

**Breakdown by round for 21st-century KU draft picks:**

First round: One

Second round: None

Third round: None

Fourth round: Six

Fifth round: Four

Sixth round: Four

Seventh round: One

**Breakdown by position:**

Defensive back: Four

Offensive line: Four

Wide receiver: Three

Defensive line: Two

Fullback: One

Linebacker: One

Tight end: One

**KU’s 16 21st-century NFL draft picks:**

Year Player (pos.) Round
(Overall)
NFL team
2001 Moran Norris (FB) 4 (115) Saints
2002 Nate Dwyer (DT) 4 (113) Cardinals
2002 Justin Hartwig (C) 6 (187) Titans
2004 Adrian Jones (OT) 4 (132) Jets
2005 David McMillan (DE) 5 (139) Browns
2008 Aqib Talib (CB) 1 (20) Buccaneers
2008 Anthony Collins (OT) 4 (112) Bengals
2008 Derek Fine (TE) 4 (132) Bills
2008 Marcus Henry (WR) 6 (171) Jets
2010 Darrell Stuckey (S) 4 (110) Chargers
2010 Kerry Meier (WR) 5 (165) Falcons
2010 Dezmon Briscoe (WR) 6 (191) Bengals
2013 Tanner Hawkinson (OT) 5 (156) Bengals
2015 Ben Heeney (LB) 5 (140) Raiders
2015 JaCorey Shepherd (CB) 6 (191) Eagles
2015 Dexter McDonald (CB) 7 (242) Raiders

It’s been 21 years since the Chiefs selected a Kansas football player in the draft. Before technology made it so easy to study prospects without leaving your desk, local picks were more common for NFL teams.

The Chiefs selected two Jayhawks in the AFL draft and have selected seven in the NFL draft:

Year Player Round
(Overall)
Position
1965 Gale Sayers 1, AFL (5) HB
1966 Willie Ray Smith 19, AFL (97) DB
1974 David Jaynes 3 (66) QB
1976 Steve Taylor 6 (166) DB
1977 Chris Golub 7 (177) DB
1977 Waddell Smith 8 (215) WR
1982 Greg Smith 7 (184) DT
1997 June Henley 5 (163) RB
1997 Isaac Byrd 6 (195) WR

Don’t be surprised if the Chiefs use one of their fourth-round draft choices, 122nd and 124th overall, on defensive end Dorance Armstrong. Tight end Ben Johnson is the only other KU player with any shot at getting drafted, although free agency is the more likely path for him to an NFL career.

PREV POST

KU baseball hit hard by in-state rival Wichita State as losing skid continues

NEXT POST

52019Everything you always wanted to know about KU players in the NFL draft but were afraid to ask because you’re too obsessed with basketball