Kansas City Chiefs: 10 Worst Draft Picks Since 1990
By Andrew Jones
3. Tyson Jackson (2009): No. 3 Overall
Jackson is the highest drafted on this list, but he doesn’t make No. 1 because he did find a role with the Chiefs defense for five seasons. The Chiefs were switching to a 3-4 defense under new coordinator Romeo Crennell and wanted Jackson to showcase his talents. He finished his LSU career eighth in school history for sacks with 18.5.
That built some hype going into the draft, but the Chiefs soon found out that Jackson would struggle facing NFL offensive lines. His first three seasons in Kansas City were difficult for fans to watch. A pick at No. 3 overall is supposed to be franchise changing. Jackson was a backup at best.
In 2012 Jackson had his best season to date with three sacks, 43 combined tackles, and three pass deflections. He followed that with another solid campaign in 2013. This earned him a nice free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons where he started all 16 games the next season. His best years, however, would remain in Kansas City.
He never recorded another regular season sack and, after a 2016 season where he only started seven games, he was released by the Falcons this past March. He may yet sign with another team before training camp, but it is safe to say he will never live up to his draft status.