With the 2026 NFL Draft quickly approaching, the Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for what could be a pivotal moment for the franchise. Holding the No. 9 overall pick, the team is in uncharted territory as they navigate the unpredictable landscape of the draft.
General Manager Brett Veach knows that the road ahead will not be easy. In fact, he recently made a difficult admission regarding the challenges that come with finding talented players on the third day of the draft. In an interview after the NFL Scouting Combine, Veach opened up about the growing difficulty of uncovering underrated gems in the later rounds.
In the past, the Chiefs have been known for their shrewd drafting and ability to find hidden talent in the later rounds. This was evident in their selection of Pro Bowl quarterback Patrick Mahomes with the 10th overall pick in the 2017 draft. However, as the league continues to evolve and the competition for top talent stiffens, Veach recognizes that the process of finding those diamonds in the rough has become increasingly challenging.
One reason for the tougher environment on Day 3 of the draft is the rise of advanced scouting techniques and technology. Veach explains that with the availability of game film and analytics, it has become more difficult to unearth hidden talent that may have flown under the radar in the past. Teams are now able to thoroughly analyze and evaluate potential prospects, leaving little room for surprises.
But despite these challenges, Veach and the Chiefs remain optimistic and determined to find the best players possible to add to their roster. After all, the team has a history of success with players selected on Day 3, including star receiver Tyreek Hill and defensive end Chris Jones.
One player who could potentially fall into this category in the upcoming draft is Jeremiyah Love. The talented defensive end out of Georgia has caught the attention of many scouts and analysts, but he has yet to receive the same level of recognition as other top prospects. Veach recently spoke about Love, saying, “He’s a guy that I think all of us are excited to see how he does at the combine. He’s got a lot of talent, he has a lot of upside.”
Love’s draft stock may have taken a hit due to a nagging injury that kept him out of several games in his senior year. However, he has shown flashes of potential throughout his college career, and Veach’s comments suggest the Chiefs may have their eye on him as a potential steal in the later rounds.
While the challenges of the draft may be daunting, Veach and the rest of the Chiefs’ front office are not backing down. They have a proven track record of finding talent in unexpected places and are determined to continue that trend. As Head Coach Andy Reid recently said, “That’s part of the challenge of the draft – trying to find guys that can fit into what you do and perform at a high level.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Day 3 of the draft, the Chiefs are approaching it with the same level of preparation and determination as they do with their higher picks. They understand the importance of building a strong and competitive team, and they will exhaust every resource to ensure they make the best choices for the future of the franchise.
In the end, the success of the Chiefs’ draft picks will only be determined on the field. But with Veach and the rest of the front office leading the charge, Chiefs fans can remain confident that their team is in good hands. And with players like Jeremiyah Love potentially waiting to be discovered, the possibilities for the future of the franchise are endless.
As the 2026 NFL Draft draws near, the Chiefs are ready to embrace the challenges and capitalize on every opportunity to strengthen their team. With a strong foundation in place and the determination to continue their winning ways, the Chiefs are well equipped to navigate the unfamiliar arena of the No. 9 overall pick and emerge with another group of talented players ready to make their mark in the NFL.
