Chiefs GM Brett Veach Anticipates Multiple Trades in NFL Draft First Round
Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach stated that the first round of the 2026 NFL draft will likely feature numerous trades. He attributed this to a draft class with closely graded prospects and fewer high-profile quarterbacks. The Chiefs hold the ninth and 29th picks following a recent trade.
foxnews.comVeach's Draft Expectations
Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach stated during a news conference on April 16, 2026, that the first round of the NFL draft, scheduled for next week, will probably include a lot of trades.
Veach noted that this year's draft class differs from previous years, with most analysts expecting only one quarterback, Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, to be selected in the first 10 picks. He added that several top prospects, including Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, do not play positions considered premier in the league.
Factors Influencing Trades
Veach explained that the close grading of prospects, particularly offensive tackles, defensive ends, and receivers, could lead to more trades as teams adjust positions to select desired players.
He stated that without multiple highly graded quarterbacks or standout defensive players like Will Anderson Jr. or Myles Garrett, the draft environment encourages trading activity.
Story Timeline
5 events- 2026-04-16
Chiefs GM Brett Veach stated in a news conference that the first round of the NFL draft will likely feature many trades.
1 sourceESPN - Last month
Chiefs traded cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams for draft picks including the 29th overall selection.
1 sourceESPN - 2022
Chiefs traded with the New England Patriots to move up and select Trent McDuffie with the 21st pick.
1 sourceESPN - 2022 (weeks before draft)
Chiefs traded receiver Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins.
1 sourceESPN - 2017-07
Brett Veach began his tenure as Chiefs general manager.
1 sourceESPN
Potential Impact
- 01
Teams may adjust draft strategies to trade up or down based on closely graded prospects.
- 02
Chiefs could acquire additional players through trades using their two first-round picks.
- 03
Draft selections for positions like offensive tackles and receivers may shift unexpectedly.
- 04
Other teams with multiple picks might engage in more trade discussions.
- 05
Overall draft pace could increase due to frequent trades.
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