The Chiefs’ general manager wants Mahomes to have an abundance of targets.
As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for another crucial draft cycle, general manager Brett Veach made it clear that offensive skill positions — especially running back and wide receiver — remain top priorities. But beyond simply adding depth, the team is eyeing versatility, explosiveness and special teams impact.
“The running back class is probably the deepest class in the draft,” said Veach. “I think you can get a really good player from around 1, 3, or 5.”
Veach emphasized how quickly depth can erode over the course of a season. Injuries and attrition are constants in the NFL, and the Chiefs know firsthand how thin key positions can get.
“You’re a few bad weeks away from having no depth at all,” said Veach. “A few years back, at defensive end, we had a two or three-week span where we lost multiple guys. Last year, Pacheco got hurt early on.”
That level of unpredictability makes the case for doubling down on high-upside players — and for keeping the draft board fluid.
Playmakers, playmakers, playmakers
Veach didn’t shy away from the core philosophy that’s guided Kansas City’s roster construction during the Patrick Mahomes era: surround the franchise quarterback with as many dynamic weapons as possible.
“We always want to surround Pat with playmakers,” Veach said. “The more talent at wideout you can throw on the field at one time is something important to us.”
With Hollywood Brown returning and new additions at receiver and running back already in place, the Chiefs still see room for growth — especially with players who can contribute in multiple phases.
“Ideally, it would be advantageous for us to identify a receiver and/or running back that has explosive playmaking ability on both ends,” Veach said. “[Nikko] Remigio did a great job [in the return game], but again, we’re always pushing the envelope to get 1% better.”
The return game is a key factor
A standout trait the Chiefs are targeting? Dual-threat utility — players who can contribute on offense and in the return game. With kickoff rules changing and special teams becoming more of a focal point for creating advantages, Kansas City is actively scouting talent with those overlapping skills.
“If we can add another dynamic element to both return phases, that would be something that would make sense,” Veach said. “It’s not just about adding explosive playmaking at the running back or receiver position — it’s also the return game.”
Running back is a top position in ‘25 class
The depth of the 2025 running back class, according to Veach, stands out across league circles. He praised the parity among mid-round prospects, indicating that the team is optimistic about landing value later in the draft.
“There’s a ton of running backs,” Veach said. “The discrepancies between the running back you have in the fourth or fifth [round] is really close — or even third and fourth.
“There’s a good likelihood that one of those players ends up on our roster — and hopefully they’re a dynamic returner as well.”
With Mahomes at the helm, the championship window is alive and well — and Veach sees this draft as a prime opportunity to reinforce the roster for another title run.