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Veach Says NIL Has Thinned Chiefs’ Draft Board as Cap Squeeze Raises Stakes for Top-10 Pick

Kansas City will seek more pop in its running game to ease Patrick Mahomes’ load.

Overview

  • Speaking at the Scouting Combine, GM Brett Veach said NIL-driven decisions led the Chiefs to remove more than 25 prospects from their board, leaving an older draft pool.
  • Veach outlined a push for a more explosive rushing attack to take pressure off Mahomes, pointing to strength on the interior offensive line.
  • Kansas City finished 6-11 last season after Mahomes tore his ACL, positioning the team with a top-10 selection to address multiple roster needs.
  • Pro Football Focus placed the Chiefs on a list of teams in desperation mode, noting that even after Mahomes restructured to open about $43 million, reports still have them roughly $3.2 million over the cap with key free agents looming.
  • The Chiefs currently hold five draft picks and are projected for a fifth-round compensatory selection, while media mock drafts float possibilities such as Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love and several defensive prospects.