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.

The Raiders signed their first-round pick, Bird, their third round pick, Bucknell tight end Tom Mitchell, and their fifth-round pick, Florida halfback Pete Banaszak.