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Sometimes it can be hard to calculate how well an NFL general manager does in the draft. Unless they’re fortunate enough to quickly build a competitive roster, their tenures are often too short to create a sample size big enough for a fair evaluation.
Fortunately for the Kansas City Chiefs, that hasn’t been a problem with general manager Brett Veach, who has been running the league’s most successful franchise since he took over in the summer of 2017. With eight cycles to his credit, Veach has assembled one of the league’s best draft records. His rookie picks have played a significant role in two separate roster builds that have resulted in league championships.
Here are the 10 best picks he’s made in Kansas City.
1. Cornerback Trent McDuffie
Pick 21, first round of 2022
You can argue that Trey Smith and Creed Humphrey were better values, but I’d still take McDuffie over them.
Whether in the slot or outside, McDuffie is one of the league’s best corners. He’s done everything at an All-Pro level, making him a true shutdown cornerback against any player in the league. The Denver Broncos’ Patrick Surtain II is the only other NFL player who can make that claim.
McDuffie’s rare skillset puts him at No. 1.
2. Center Creed Humphrey
Pick 63, second round of 2021
Still, taking the NFL’s best center in the second round could push Humphrey to No. 1. Since he was a sixth-round pick, I wouldn’t quibble with Trey Smith at No. 2, either. I just think Humphrey is a higher-caliber player.
After the Super Bowl LV loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City had to overhaul its entire offensive line. Immediately identifying Humphrey as the man to hold the middle of the revamped line put a big feather in Veach’s cap. Humphrey will be the center for the majority of quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ prime years.
3. Guard Trey Smith
Pick 226, sixth round of 2021
Smith is certainly the best value on this list. His force and strength diversified the Chiefs’ running game, changing the team’s entire offense. While he’s capable on zone runs, few players are better maulers down the middle.
Smith has had some inconsistencies in pass protection, but given his skills as a run blocker, he’s easily passed the bar the Chiefs set for him. He’s still improving, too. Through most of 2024, he was a lockdown pass protector. If that trend continues, he could rise even higher on this list.
4. Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed
Pick 138, fourth round of 2020
While he isn’t going to have a career as long as some of these other players, Sneed’s 2023 season — in which he was able to play at an All-Pro level — was above what any of them will put forth. You can make a credible argument that he was the second-best player on the 2023 Super Bowl team, shutting down a variety of receivers on a weekly basis.
While Sneed was good in all four of his Kansas City seasons, 2023 was special.
5. Linebacker Nick Bolton
Pick 58, second round of 2021
You could put George Karlaftis here and I’d be fine with it — but I choose Bolton because generally, his impact on the defense is higher. He’s always been a great tackler, but he’s made underrated improvements in taking on blocks and playing in coverage. While Bolton will never be elite in coverage, he’s improved enough that he’s no longer a big liability. Taking away some of these negative plays has made him a more well-rounded (and effective) player.
6. Defensive End George Karlaftis
Pick 30, first round of 2022
The former Purdue defensive end will never be a superstar. But if he plays in Kansas City for 10 years, he could pass Justin Houston (78.5) for fifth place among the team’s all-time sack leaders. Karlaftis is as steady as they come — a B+ in every aspect of his game. As a complimentary player who rounds out the defense, he’s been fantastic for the Chiefs.
7. Wide Receiver Rashee Rice
Pick 55, second round of 2023
If we were projecting a bit more, I might push Rice a little higher — but we need more sample size to really evaluate him. Just the same, his explosiveness after the catch is rare — and he appeared to be on the verge of a huge breakout before last season’s injury. If he can rebound from that, he’ll be in the top 4 pretty quickly.
8. Linebacker Leo Chenal
Pick 103, third round of 2022
My first seven picks have been pretty typical. But from here on, you could make some other arguments. While Chenal might have a smaller role than some other players you could place here, his down-to-down impact is higher; the Chiefs continue to find more ways to leverage his insane strength and blitzing potential. He may never be a three-down player — but in his specific role, he’s elite. He is a dangerous weapon in huge games.
9. Cornerback Jaylen Watson
Pick 243, seventh round of 2022
I could easily flip these last two picks. I have Watson here simply because I think his best has been better than Isiah Pacheco’s; he’s been a steady starting corner who’s never had a long slump of bad play. For a non-elite cornerback, that’s a tough ask — but year-after-year, Watson has consistently delivered strong performances.
10. Running back Isiah Pacheco
Pick 251, seventh round of 2022
While some things frustrate me about Pacheco, there’s no doubt he’s been an excellent pick. He’s been the starting running back on two Super Bowl teams and always brings it in big games. His toughness and physicality flow through the entire offense. Pacheco is a tone-setter — a rare trait for a running back who isn’t a star.
