Chiefs GM Brett Veach Outlines Draft Strategy Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach held a press conference one week before the 2026 NFL Draft, addressing the team's direction following a 6-11 season—the first losing campaign under head coach Andy Reid.
Team Assessment & Roster Context
Veach stated the team's expectation is to win the division, make the playoffs, and compete for a championship every year. He acknowledged the 2025 season fell short of that standard and that there are many areas to improve on both offense and defense.
The team holds the 9th overall pick, a position Veach said allows them to consider multiple directions, including defensive backfield, offensive line, edge rusher, and wide receiver. "We cannot eliminate any single need because there are many needs," he added.
The goal is to select a player who will be an impact player on the team from Day 1.
He provided context on several positions where the current starters represent more temporary solutions than long-term answers:
- Right Tackle: Jaylon Moore
- Cornerback: Nohl Williams and Kristian Fulton
- Wide Receiver: Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton
- Defensive End: George Karlaftis and Ashton Gillotte
Draft Strategy & Predictions
Veach emphasized that the Chiefs' approach will be to add the best player available rather than overthinking the selection based solely on need.
He predicted a draft filled with trades, citing the absence of clear franchise quarterbacks or elite, consensus top prospects like Will Anderson or Myles Garrett. He said grades are very close for tackles, defensive ends, and receivers, which could lead to players being drafted in a different order than public projections.
Wide Receiver Evaluation
With wide receiver being a potential target, Veach discussed three prospects projected to be available near the Chiefs' pick:
- Carnell Tate (Ohio State) and Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State): Noted for their size and intermediate-to-deep field playmaking ability.
- Makai Lemon (USC): Described as productive from the slot with savvy route running, drawing comparisons to NFL receivers Emeka Egbuka and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Veach also mentioned Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr. as part of "a good collection of wideouts" in this draft class.
Final Preparations
In the final days before the draft, Veach said he has been meeting regularly with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and head coach Andy Reid to review preparations.
"As we get closer, the process opens up and the picture becomes more clear," Veach stated, concluding that the organization has identified exactly what they want to do when they are on the clock.