Chiefs GM Hints at More Draft Night Trades

Veach says lack of top QB prospects could lead to chaotic first round.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:24am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract NFL draft war room scene, with fragmented shapes and forms representing the key players and prospects mentioned in the story, conveying the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the upcoming draft.The unpredictable nature of the 2026 NFL Draft could lead to a frenetic draft night for teams like the Chiefs as they maneuver the board.Kansas City Today

Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said the 2026 NFL Draft could feature a lot of trades on draft night, with a lack of clear top prospects at quarterback and other marquee positions leading to a more unpredictable first round.

Why it matters

The Chiefs hold two first-round picks this year, including the 29th overall selection acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams. Veach's comments suggest the team may be active in moving up, down or around the draft board to target specific players they covet.

The details

Veach cited several prospects projected to go high in the draft, including Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, as examples of players who don't play traditional 'marquee' positions but could still be selected early. With only one quarterback, Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, projected inside the top 10, Veach believes teams will be more willing to trade and maneuver on draft night.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is set for next Thursday, April 24th, in Green Bay.

The players

Brett Veach

The general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs, who has a history of being active in draft-day trades.

Sonny Styles

An Ohio State linebacker projected to be selected early in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jeremiyah Love

A Notre Dame running back projected to be selected early in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Caleb Downs

An Ohio State safety projected to be selected early in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Fernando Mendoza

The only quarterback projected to be selected inside the top 10 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“It should be an entertaining night. There'll probably be a lot of trades. I think that the fans will be in for a treat next Thursday because I think the grades on prospects are going to be so close from some of these [offensive] tackles and D-ends and receivers.”

— Brett Veach, General Manager, Kansas City Chiefs

“A lot of these guys that are mocked high may go a little lower and a lot of these guys that are getting mocked a little lower may go higher because I think they're so close this year. There's not this huge gap and huge fall off.”

— Brett Veach, General Manager, Kansas City Chiefs

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place next Thursday, April 24th, in Green Bay. All eyes will be on the Chiefs and how active they are in making trades to maneuver the draft board and target their desired prospects.

The takeaway

With a lack of clear top prospects at quarterback and other premium positions, the 2026 NFL Draft could feature an unpredictable and chaotic first round, with teams like the Chiefs potentially being very active in trading up, down or around to target specific players they covet.