To say that Brett Veach has gotten better at drafting prospects over the last few years is a bit of an understatement. That's not only because he's one of the savviest GMs in the game today at finding gems even late in a draft class, but also because his first-ever draft efforts didn't turn out so well.
Back in 2018, Veach had the chance to run a draft without the shadow or authority of John Dorsey around and with his first selection, he traded up to grab a pass rusher before too many of them were off the board. In doing so, he reached for Mississippi State lineman Breeland Speaks at No. 46 overall in the second round.
Speaks would last only two seasons with the Chiefs before failing to make the team in his third preseason. From there, he'd become a journeyman of sorts looking for a potential home in the NFL—including short stints with the Raiders, Cowboys, Bills, 49ers, Giants and more.
Speaks' struggles at the pro level came from being a bit of a tweener. He lacked the length and bend to make an impact on the outside as an edge rusher, but he was also not quite stout enough of a frame to handle the load along the inside. That works at the college level—even in a Power 5 conference—but he was bypassed on the depth chart rather easily in the NFL.
This spring, however, the USFL gave him a second chance to play with the Michigan Panthers—his second straight spring spent with the team. This time he responded by leading the entire league in sacks and he was named Defensive Player of the Year. That led to a few tryouts earlier this summer and now the Jacksonville Jaguars have signed him for a longer look in the preseason.
It just so happens the Jags are hosting the Chiefs this weekend for their first preseason tilt, which means Speaks is likely going to suit up against the very team that drafted him in the hopes of showing what he can do to stay in the league.