Kansas City Chiefs: Brett Veach's five worst draft picks ever

1. DE Breeland Speaks

Breeland Speaks' story is a cautionary tale in the NFL. Drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, Speaks arrived with high expectations. However, his time in Kansas City was far from successful, leading to his draft bust label.

In his rookie season, Speaks played in all games, even starting a few. However, his performances were far from the level expected of a second-round pick. He managed only 24 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a single forced fumble. These numbers are a stark reminder of his lackluster impact on the field.

His career took a further hit when he sustained an ACL tear in a preseason game, causing him to miss two whole seasons. Injuries can derail any player's career, and for Speaks, it was no different. The inability to stay healthy and contribute effectively on the field began to cast doubts over his future with the Chiefs.

Eventually, the Chiefs decided to part ways with Speaks. His release in 2020 was a clear sign of the team's dissatisfaction with his contributions. The fact that he was not claimed on waivers and didn't even make it to the Chiefs' practice squad further underlined his fall from grace.

Speaks' underwhelming performance had a significant impact on the Chiefs' draft strategy. It served as a wake-up call for general manager Brett Veach, who learned the hard way about the pitfalls of overestimating a player's potential. The 2018 draft class, headlined by Speaks, is considered one of the worst drafts for the Chiefs in recent memory.

Post-Chiefs, Speaks had brief and unsuccessful stints with the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Giants. His inability to make an impact with any other team further cemented his status as a draft bust.

In conclusion, Speaks' journey in the NFL is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport. From his disappointing performances and injury struggles to his release from the Chiefs and subsequent unsuccessful attempts to find a role with other teams, Speaks is now seen as a draft bust. His story serves as a warning about the risks involved in drafting players based on potential rather than proven ability or a good fit within a team's system.