The AFL conducted its college selection draft today. In an unusual, and even peculiar move, the Raiders deferred their first-round pick until 62 players had been chosen, before selecting Kentucky halfback Rodger Bird. Whether they had made the pick and deferred the announcement or had actually not chosen a player until then wasn't entirely clear. They had announced their second-round pick, Missouri tackle Butch Allison, several slots earlier, as the 57th overall pick, and had announced two further picks before announcing Bird.

Signed

Pete Banaszak, halfback
Rodger Bird, halfback
Tom Mitchell, tight end