Derrick Thomas was the fourth overall Draft Pick out of The University of Alabama where he was the Butkus Award winner as the nation’s top Linebacker.  That defensive prowess translated to the pro game immediately as he would be named the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1989 and was chosen for what would be his first of nine Pro Bowls.  In his second season, he solidified himself as an elite defensive player in the league by going to what would be his first of three straight First Team All Pros and he would also lead the NFL in Sacks that year.

We certainly could have made a case for Len Dawson at the top of this list.  There is also merit to stating that Dawson was the greatest Quarterback in the AFL throughout the 1960’s.

The Kansas City Chiefs have had their share of great players on the Offensive Line, but there is one who stands above the rest; Will Shields.

We return back to the Cardinals’ famed Gashouse Gang where we have Ripper Collins who was a rookie in their World Series Championship win in 1931.  He would become a starter the season after and he would be a quick fan favorite with his nickname of Ripper and his power despite having a small frame.  Collins would have his best season in 1934 (where he also helped the Cards win the World Series where he was the National League leader in Home Runs (35), Slugging Percentage (.615) and OPS (1.008) with a sixth place finish in MVP voting.  He was named an All Star the next two seasons and would be traded to he Chicago Cubs after the 1936 season.