Why Brett Veach expects 2026 draft trades

Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach anticipates a high volume of trades during the upcoming NFL draft's opening round. This prediction stems from a lack of elite quarterback prospects and a draft class where players at various positions share similar talent grades. Because there is no significant gap between many top prospects, teams may be more inclined to move up or down the board to secure specific targets. The Chiefs are uniquely positioned for such maneuvers, as they currently hold two first-round selections following a major trade involving cornerback Trent McDuffie. Veach’s strategy involves narrowing down a massive board to a select group of highly desired athletes and navigating the draft to acquire them. This environment suggests an unpredictable and exciting night for fans as organizations shuffle their picks to maximize value.