Kansas City, Fr – April 18, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for the 2025 NFL Draft, and GM Brett Veach dropped tantalizing hints in his pre-draft presser, outlining a bold strategy to keep Chiefs Kingdom atop the AFC. With the No. 31 pick, Veach is poised to reshape the roster.
Veach revealed a lean draft board, grading only 12-13 players as first-round talent, down from a typical 15-20. This scarcity could push Kansas City to trade down from No. 31, stockpiling picks to address multiple needs, a shift from Veach’s 12 prior trade-ups, per ESPN Stats & Info.
The running back class is a goldmine, Veach noted, with explosive talents like TreVeyon Henderson and Damien Martinez available deep into rounds 3-5. Kansas City, ranked 29th in rushing yards (4.0 yards per carry) in 2024, craves a dynamic complement to Isiah Pacheco, whose contract expires in 2026.
Veach pinpointed glaring roster holes: left tackle, defensive line, wide receiver, and secondary. The offensive line, especially, struggled in Super Bowl LIX’s 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, with Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris failing to shield Patrick Mahomes, who absorbed 41 sacks in 2024.
A cornerstone of Veach’s plan is Jaylon Moore, a $30 million offensive tackle signed from the 49ers. Despite Moore’s limited starts (12 in four seasons), Veach trusts his versatility to anchor the left side, freeing draft capital for other positions like cornerback or edge rusher.
Veach’s optimism shines through. “We’re not far from another Super Bowl,” he declared, dismissing notions of a depleted roster. With Travis Kelce aging and Kadarius Toney gone, Veach eyes versatile playmakers who can contribute in special teams, citing the deep cornerback and defensive line classes.
The draft’s flexibility excites Chiefs fans. Veach could target an offensive tackle like Kelvin Banks Jr. or a receiver like Tetairoa McMillan, depending on board value. Trading down could net multiple starters, echoing Kansas City’s 2022 haul of Trent McDuffie and Skyy Moore.
Chiefs Kingdom, buckle up. Veach’s calculated gamble—blending Moore’s stability with a deep draft—aims to reload Mahomes’ arsenal and reclaim the Lombardi Trophy. As April 24 approaches, Kansas City’s next star awaits.
