Kansas City Chiefs Gear Up for 2025 NFL Draft with Eyes on Key Positions

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – The countdown is on. With the 2025 NFL Draft kicking off next Thursday in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the Kansas City Chiefs are finalizing their strategy—and leaving their options wide open.

“We’ve put ourselves in a position where, if we’re sitting there at No. 31, we can look at several areas—O-line, D-line, corner, receiver,” said Chiefs general manager Brett Veach in a Thursday Zoom call with reporters. “All options are on the table. We’ll see how it shakes out.”

The Chiefs have eight total picks in this year’s draft:

• Round 1: No. 31 overall

• Round 2: No. 63 overall

• Round 3: No. 66 overall (via Tennessee)

• Round 3: No. 95 overall

• Round 4: No. 133 overall

• Round 7: No. 226 overall

• Round 7: No. 251 overall (compensatory pick)

• Round 7: No. 257 overall (compensatory pick)

Veach, known for his aggressive draft-day moves, said he’s not afraid to trade up if the right player is available.

“Sure, having more picks is great—more tickets in the lottery,” he said. “But if you believe in a guy and you’ve done your homework, why not go get him?”

This year, the Chiefs’ draft board includes 202 players, with only 12 to 13 players graded as true first-rounders—slightly lower than usual. That might influence whether they move up, stay put, or even trade back, a rare move for Veach, who’s only traded down twice in his tenure.

“I know I’ve been more aggressive in the past, but I’m open to trading down if it makes sense and helps us build out the roster,” he said.

One position to watch closely: running back.

“There’s a ton of talent in this class,” Veach said. “The difference between a third-round back and a fifth-round back is minimal. We have a good chance of picking one—and hopefully they can help on special teams too.”

The Chiefs have had recent success drafting offensive playmakers. In two of the past three seasons, a rookie wide receiver drafted by Kansas City has gone on to score in the Super Bowl—a trend they’d no doubt like to continue.