Chiefs Revamp Draft Visit Strategy Ahead of Key Picks

GM Brett Veach explains how the team is approaching top-30 visits differently in 2026.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:41pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented geometric shapes in red, blue, and yellow, conceptually representing the complex decision-making process of the NFL Draft.The Chiefs' strategic shift in pre-draft visits aims to uncover hidden gems in a complex 2026 NFL Draft class.Kansas City Today

The Kansas City Chiefs have made a significant change to their pre-draft visit strategy in 2026, prioritizing in-person meetings with top prospects ahead of their two first-round picks at No. 9 and No. 29. General Manager Brett Veach cited the unique nature of this year's draft class and the closeness of grades in the mid-to-late first round as key factors behind the shift.

Why it matters

The Chiefs' new approach to pre-draft visits could give them a competitive edge in a draft class lacking premium talent at certain positions. By meeting with a wider range of potential first-round picks, the team aims to uncover any hidden truths that could tilt the scales in their favor when making crucial selections.

The details

In past years, the Chiefs have focused their 30 allotted pre-draft visits on non-combine players they wanted to evaluate medically. This time, Veach says the team has brought in 'every defensive end in the NFL Draft' and reduced the number of non-combine prospects they're meeting with. The goal is to gather as much information as possible on the talent clustered in the 10-35 range, where the Chiefs are picking.

  • The Chiefs held their pre-draft press conference on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Brett Veach

The Kansas City Chiefs' general manager, who explained the team's new approach to pre-draft visits.

Matt Derrick

A reporter for Chiefs Digest who asked Veach about the team's pre-draft visit strategy.

Rick Burkholder

The Chiefs' Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance, who Veach credited for helping the team navigate the unorthodox pre-draft process.

Jack Dingle

A linebacker from the University of Cincinnati who received a pre-draft visit from the Chiefs despite not being invited to the NFL Combine.

Rene Konga

A defensive tackle from the University of Louisville who received a pre-draft visit from the Chiefs despite not being invited to the NFL Combine.

Jaden Dugger

A linebacker from the University of Louisiana who received a pre-draft visit from the Chiefs despite not being invited to the NFL Combine.

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What they’re saying

“That's a great question Matt (Derrick). In the past, picking at 32, we probably spent most of those 30 visits on non-combine players that we wanted to get medical on. We spent a lot of our time with those prospects that we felt would be in that 20-40 range at the combine and having a late pick, I think the numbers that we were looking at were different. I felt we were good with the information we got with those players. This is a unique draft where when you're picking at No. 9 and with the uniqueness of the draft in it of itself, less quarterbacks – usually you get two or three high-level defensive tackle prospects. Having those limited numbers. As I mentioned a little while ago, the grades are so close now with these guys from say 10-30, 10-35, you want every bit of information you can get.”

— Brett Veach, Chiefs General Manager

What’s next

The Chiefs will look to capitalize on their enhanced pre-draft preparation when the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off next week. Their two first-round picks at No. 9 and No. 29 will be crucial in shaping the team's future.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' new approach to pre-draft visits reflects the team's commitment to leaving no stone unturned in a complex draft class. By gathering as much information as possible on a wider range of potential first-round picks, the Chiefs are positioning themselves to make informed decisions that could pay dividends for years to come.