With the 2026 NFL Draft fast approaching, the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in an unfamiliar position. As they hold the No. 9 overall pick, they are entering into uncharted territory for the first time in recent years. This is a result of their consistent success over the past few seasons, which has seen them make it to the playoffs five times in a row, including two Super Bowl appearances and one championship win.
But with this newfound position comes new challenges, and Chiefs general manager Brett Veach admits that the road ahead won’t be an easy one. In a recent interview after the NFL Scouting Combine, Veach opened up about the difficulties of finding talented, underrated players on Day 3 of the draft.
In the past, the Chiefs have had great success with their late-round picks, including current stars like Tyreek Hill (fifth round) and Travis Kelce (third round). However, Veach believes that the landscape of the draft has changed in recent years, making it harder to find hidden gems in the later rounds.
He explained, “In the past, there were still some players that you could find on Day 3 that maybe weren’t as well known but had a ton of talent. But now, with the rise of social media and more detailed scouting reports, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find those hidden talents.”
This has also been reflected in the Chiefs’ recent draft picks, where their Day 3 selections have not had the same impact as in previous years. Players like linebacker Jeremiyah Love, who was selected in the seventh round of the 2020 draft, have not yet made a significant impact on the team.
This has caused some concern within the organization, especially with head coach Andy Reid. Love, who was highly touted for his speed and athleticism, has struggled to adapt to the professional level and has yet to make a significant contribution on the field.
In the past, the Chiefs have been able to take chances on players like Love, and their coaching staff has been able to develop them into valuable assets. However, with the changing landscape of the draft, this may no longer be a viable option.
But despite these challenges, Veach remains confident in his team’s ability to find talented players, even in the later rounds of the draft. He stated, “We have a great scouting department, and we’re always looking for players who can contribute to our team, regardless of where they are drafted. We have a strong coaching staff that can develop players and bring out their full potential.”
One of the reasons for the Chiefs’ success in recent years has been their ability to build a strong team culture and develop players to fit into their system. This has been evident with players like quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2017 draft and has gone on to become one of the best players in the league.
While the Chiefs may not have as many late-round picks in this year’s draft, Veach and his team are determined to find impactful players who can contribute to their success. They have already started their preparations for the draft, and with a solid scouting department and coaching staff, they are confident that they will find the right players to help them continue their winning ways.
As for Love, Veach remains optimistic about his potential and believes that with time and proper development, he can become a valuable contributor on the team. He added, “It takes time for players to adjust to the NFL, especially those who come from smaller schools. But we have seen glimpses of Love’s talent, and we will continue to work with him to help him reach his full potential.”
In the end, the challenges of finding underrated players on Day 3 may be a new hurdle for the Chiefs, but it is one that they are determined to overcome. With a strong front office and coaching staff, they have all the tools they need to continue their successful run and build a team that can compete for championships for years to come.
