Chiefs GM Brett Veach Shares 2026 NFL Draft Expectations

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Chiefs GM Brett Veach Shares 2026 NFL Draft Expectations

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ankit K. | Last updated Apr 16, 2026 2:23 PM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear plan, and general manager Brett Veach expects a dramatic and unpredictable night.

Speaking ahead of the draft during a live on the Chiefs' YouTube channel, Veach said fans should prepare for a 'treat,' pointing to how tightly graded this year’s class is.

"I think that the fans will be in for a treat next Thursday," Veach said. "Because I think that the grades are gonna be so close from some of these tackles, DNs, and other positions – receivers."

Veach noted that players projected high could slide, while others may see a rise.

"That a lot of these guys that are mock high may go a little lower, and a lot of these guys that are getting mocked a little lower may go a little higher because I think they're so close this year," Veach said. "It's not this huge gap, and big fall off.

"And even with the offensive lineman, I mean, there's traits that you like and some things that all these guys need to clean up and work on."

Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach speaks at the Indiana Convention Center.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Kansas City enters the draft with strong capital, including two first-round picks at No. 9 and No. 29. After a disappointing 2025 season that saw Patrick Mahomes miss time with injury, the franchise is looking to reset key areas of the roster.

According to Veach, the lack of a major talent gap will shift focus toward scheme fit and coaching vision rather than pure rankings.

"I think that the grades are so close that it'll come down to the scheme fit and, coach's analysis, the vision, the fit for these guys," Veach said. "So I think it should be an entertaining night, and look, there'll probably be a lot of trades.

"And I think that's what a draft like this, when you don't have, you know, two or three franchise quarterbacks, and a Will Anderson or a Myles Garrett, I think it does lend itself to open up to a lot of fun and a lot of excitement."

"The fans will be in for a treat next Thursday." -GM Brett Veach pic.twitter.com/l1fWkkzGUT
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) April 16, 2026

The Chiefs are expected to target help on defense, particularly at edge rusher and cornerback. Offensive upgrades, including wide receiver depth, also remain a priority as they build around Mahomes’ return.

With nine total picks and added flexibility, Kansas City is in a position to be aggressive. Veach’s comments suggest a draft uncertainty and opportunity.

For the Chiefs, it could be a turning point heading into the 2026 season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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