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Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach is signaling that the 2026 NFL Draft could unfold differently than recent years.

Speaking during his annual pre-draft news conference, Veach outlined why he believes this year’s class could lead to increased trade activity and unexpected movement throughout the first round. His comments come as teams prepare for a draft class that many analysts view as lacking clear separation at key positions.

Brett Veach Predicts Trade-Heavy 2026 NFL Draft

Veach said fans should expect an active night when the draft begins.

“It should be an entertaining night,” Veach said, according to the team’s official Instagram clip. “There’ll probably be a lot of trades.”

He explained that the depth and parity across multiple position groups could drive teams to move up or down the board. “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,” Veach said.

“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.”

Veach added that the absence of elite, top-tier quarterbacks and defensive prospects could further contribute to unpredictability. “That’s what a draft like this — when you don’t have two or three [high-graded] quarterbacks and a Will Anderson [Jr.] or a Myles Garrett — does: It lends itself to open up to a lot of fun and a lot of excitement,” he said.

Chiefs Draft Picks and Offensive Line Focus

The Chiefs enter the draft with multiple premium selections, including picks No. 9, No. 29, and No. 40 overall. Veach indicated that the offensive line could be a key area of focus, but also warned that depth at the position may not last long.

“I think you’re gonna get a massive run of offensive linemen from 10 to 25,” Veach said. “Offensive line, there’s some talent there, but I do think it dries up quickly, and by 35, it could be slim pickings.”

He added, “Maybe it extends to pick 35 or 40.”

Several offensive line prospects are expected to be selected early, including Miami’s Francis Mauigoa and other first-round candidates such as Utah’s Spencer Fano, Georgia’s Monroe Freeling, Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor, Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane, Clemson’s Blake Miller, and Texas A&M’s Chase Bisontis.

With that in mind, Veach suggested the team may need to act strategically depending on how the board develops.

Brett Veach’s Trade History and Draft Strategy

Kansas City has a history of making aggressive moves under Veach, who became general manager in July 2017.

The team recently traded All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams in a deal that included the No. 29 overall pick. Veach has also executed draft-day trades in previous years, including a move up in 2022 to select McDuffie.

Reflecting on his approach, Veach said there is no fixed formula. “I don’t know if I have a blueprint for that,” he said. “It’s just exhausting all the information with each player, identifying your team needs, [and] working with the coaching staff.”

He emphasized the importance of preparation and flexibility. “We’re at 215 [prospects on their draft board this year]. You’re going to have 10-15 guys that you really want to get,” Veach said. “It’s just trying to work the board and trying to find out how many of those 10-15 guys that you have in that really-want list can you position yourself to get.”