Chiefs GM Brett Veach's Draft Classes Ranked

A look at the hits and misses of Veach's first six drafts as Kansas City's general manager

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:03am

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a football game broken down into overlapping planes of red, gold, and black, conveying the complex and multifaceted nature of the NFL draft process.Veach's draft strategy has been a key driver of the Chiefs' success, though some picks have fallen short of expectations.Kansas City Today

An analysis of Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach's draft classes from 2018 to 2023, highlighting his best and worst selections during that span. The article examines how Veach's ability to find talent has impacted the Chiefs' roster and culture over the past six seasons.

Why it matters

As the architect of the Chiefs' roster, Veach's draft record is crucial to the team's long-term success. This evaluation provides insight into his strengths and weaknesses as a talent evaluator, which will be important as the team looks to maintain its status as an AFC powerhouse.

The details

Veach and his staff knew they needed a strong 2026 draft after the Chiefs' late-season struggles. With more time to prepare due to missing the AFC Championship game, the GM was able to fully focus on the offseason and rebuilding the roster. The article breaks down Veach's first six draft classes, highlighting his best selections like Nick Bolton, Trent McDuffie and Isiah Pacheco, as well as some of his misses like Breeland Speaks and Felix Anudike-Uzomah. It also notes how Veach has shown an ability to take chances on players with character concerns, similar to what Andy Reid has done in the past.

  • Veach was named Chiefs GM on July 10, 2017.
  • The Chiefs' 2026 season ended with a six-game losing streak.
  • The Chiefs' 2026 season concluded on January 4.

The players

Brett Veach

The general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs since 2017, tasked with building the roster and leading the team's draft efforts.

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, known for creating environments that fit players with character concerns.

Nick Bolton

A linebacker drafted by the Chiefs in 2021 who has been a pillar of the team's lineup and culture since being selected.

Trent McDuffie

A cornerback drafted by the Chiefs in 2022 who has been one of Veach's best selections, starting all three of his NFL seasons.

Isiah Pacheco

A running back drafted by the Chiefs in 2022 who has become a key contributor on offense and special teams.

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What they’re saying

“'The last few years, we haven't had a chance to really get with them much before the combine. And right after that Vegas game, those guys were all-in, and it was exciting and energetic in a way, just to get out there. And I think the last few years, we were kind of just like in a maintenance stage, and now we're trying to just rebuild this thing again. I think for a GM and a personnel staff, that's exciting.'”

— Brett Veach, Chiefs General Manager

What’s next

The Chiefs will look to build on their strong 2026 draft class as they aim to return to the playoffs and contend for another Super Bowl championship in the 2027 season.

The takeaway

Veach's draft record as Chiefs GM has been a mixed bag, with some excellent selections that have become cornerstones of the team, as well as some notable misses. However, his willingness to take chances on players with character concerns, similar to Andy Reid's approach, has paid dividends at times. As the Chiefs look to reload for another Super Bowl run, Veach's ability to find talent in the draft will be crucial to their continued success.