Chiefs GM Brett Veach Predicts Flurry of Trades in NFL Draft First Round

Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach believes the opening round of the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft will be marked by significant trade activity, a prospect that could lead to a night of unexpected moves and rapid shifts in the draft order. Veach’s comments, made Thursday, suggest league-wide anticipation for a first round that may be even more volatile than in previous years.

According to Veach, the dynamics of this year’s draft class, combined with the needs and strategies of multiple teams, are likely to produce a busy night for front offices and fans alike.

"Probably be a lot of trades"

Veach’s succinct prediction underscores a growing sentiment around the league: the first round is set up for considerable movement as franchises maneuver to secure coveted prospects or acquire additional assets.

While Veach did not elaborate on which teams might be most active or what positions could drive trade activity, his comments reinforce longstanding trends in recent drafts. In 2025, for example, the first round saw five trades involving first-round picks, as teams jockeyed for position to land quarterbacks and address key roster needs. This year could see a similar — or even greater — level of activity, especially with several teams holding multiple picks or seeking to move up for specific prospects.

• Last year’s first round featured five trades involving first-round selections
• Teams with surplus draft capital or specific roster needs are often the most aggressive in trade negotiations
• The unpredictability of draft night can create opportunities for franchises to find value or fill urgent gaps

For the Chiefs, who have found sustained success under Veach’s stewardship, the ability to adapt to changing draft scenarios has become a core part of their roster-building philosophy. Veach’s openness about the likelihood of trades may also signal the Chiefs’ willingness to be active participants, whether by moving up, trading down, or dealing picks for established players.

With the draft fast approaching, all eyes will be on the first round to see just how prescient Veach’s prediction turns out to be. The stage is set for a night of intrigue, strategy, and potentially franchise-altering decisions as teams look to shape their futures through the power of the draft and the art of the trade.