Brett Veach isn't expecting a top-tier target to fall into his lap in this year's NFL Draft.
As the Kansas City Chiefs general manager prepares for the 2025 edition of the annual three-day, seven-round draft, Veach and his staff have once again created a complicated system of approximately 200 college prospects with grades attached regarding their pro potential and team fit/value. And for those with the highest grades—well, Veach is not expecting to add a single one.
Every year, Veach is pretty forthright with how many elite or blue-chip prospects the team has graded on their draft board. With the Chiefs picking last (or next to last in this season's draft order) each year, it's nearly impossible for such a player to fall into an acceptable range that would allow Veach to move up. This year it's going to be even more difficult.
During a media session with Chiefs reporters, Veach recently opened up about the limited number of top-shelf players in this year's draft class, which will make it harder than ever to acquire such a talented addition for K.C.
Brett Veach's experience in the draft has taught him some lessons about what to expect.
"I think it's probably a tick down," said Veach when comparing the number of elite draftees to previous seasons. "I think typically in years past that number has been anywhere from 15 to 18, even 19. I think the last I checked, it was right around 12 or 13 [on the Chiefs' draft board], so it is lower."
Veach did add that the next wave of players is actually a greater crop than normal, which could play into the Chiefs' favor as they have three of the top 66 picks in the draft.
"I will say this in that secondary wave of guys that are in the late [first] round, high two consideration, that number's probably a little higher," said Veach. "Hopefully, that provides a little bit more flexibility on both ends.
"So I think that the top-end number is just a tick down from years past. And I think we have a pretty consistent game plan year in and year out. And if one of those guys, however unlikely it is that we have in that 12 or 13 or 14 number range, if they were to fall into a reasonable landing spot, I'm sure we would make some calls."
While the Chiefs' front office isn't holding its collective breath that someone with top 10 talent will fall their way, the truth is that it has happened before. That's why Veach stays at the ready—just in case.
"Typically it's unlikely to happen, but we all know a few years ago, it did happen with Trent McDuffie and we were able to do that. So that will be kind of our mindset again, and we'll see if it works out."
In addition to the unlikely scenario of such a top player falling to a range that would work for the Chiefs to move up and get him, Veach also said this year's draft haul needs quantity as well to cover their bases. With 8 picks overall, including three in the seventh round, Veach spoke to the needs to address depth on the roster.
"We need to add depth on multiple fronts and secondary and receivers, so trading multiple picks to just get one piece doesn't really make sense. But I think if a guy we really like does fall into the twenties and it's reasonable, I think we'll be aggressive. Otherwise, I think we'll be happy with adding players at each round and multiple players in three," he said.
The 2025 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 24.