Chiefs Have Rare Top-10 Pick in Upcoming NFL Draft

Kansas City holds two first-round selections, including a top-10 choice, as they look to reload after a down season.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:11pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in the Chiefs' red and gold colors, representing the chaotic energy and multiple perspectives of an NFL draft scene.The Chiefs' rare top-10 draft pick gives them a chance to reshape their roster through the 2023 NFL Draft.Kansas City Today

The Kansas City Chiefs, who have become accustomed to picking near the end of the first round in recent years, will have a rare top-10 selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. In addition to the 9th overall pick they earned from their 6-11 season, the Chiefs also hold the 29th overall pick acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams. Chiefs general manager Brett Veach acknowledged the team's desire to add young talent to the roster after their worst season since 2012.

Why it matters

The Chiefs' uncharacteristic down season in 2022 has given them a unique opportunity to add premium talent early in the draft. With two first-round picks, including a top-10 selection, Kansas City can address key needs on both offense and defense as they look to bounce back and return to championship contention.

The details

The Chiefs' 9th overall pick is their highest selection since 2013, when they took left tackle Eric Fisher with the first overall pick. In addition, Kansas City received the 29th overall pick, along with several other selections, from the Los Angeles Rams in a trade that sent cornerback Trent McDuffie to LA. Chiefs GM Brett Veach acknowledged the team's desire to add young talent, noting that despite their recent success, they don't want to be picking this high every year.

  • The 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 27-29, 2023.

The players

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, who has led the team to three straight Super Bowl appearances and two Lombardi Trophies.

Brett Veach

The general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs, who has overseen the team's roster construction during their recent run of success.

Trent McDuffie

A cornerback who was traded from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Los Angeles Rams earlier this offseason.

Isiah Pacheco

A running back who became a free agent after playing for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Kareem Hunt

A running back who became a free agent after playing for the Kansas City Chiefs.

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What they’re saying

“'It's funny, every year when we were picking 31 and 32, I'd always say, 'Man, if we were just at 24 or 25, we'd be exactly where we want to be.' Now we're at nine and I'm like, 'Man, if we were just at four, five, we'd be exactly where we want to be.' I think every GM kind of has that mindset where unless you have the first pick, there's a certain element that you can't control, and you have to let the dominoes fall, if you will.'”

— Brett Veach, General Manager, Kansas City Chiefs

“'We don't want to be picking nine every year, but we're excited to add some young talent to the roster.'”

— Brett Veach, General Manager, Kansas City Chiefs

What’s next

The Chiefs will look to make the most of their two first-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, which takes place from April 27-29. They will be seeking to address key needs on both offense and defense as they aim to bounce back from their disappointing 2022 season and return to championship contention.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' rare top-10 draft pick, combined with their additional first-rounder, gives them a unique opportunity to infuse their roster with premium young talent. After a down year, Kansas City is poised to reload through the draft as they look to reclaim their status as one of the NFL's elite teams.