The 2022 NFL draft is just around the corner and the Kansas City Chiefs are doing their homework on a potential trade-up in the first round.
According to a report from Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Chiefs have been calling teams trying to find a partner for a trade-up. They’re not looking to make a big move into the top half of the draft, though. Instead, they’re looking at a smaller trade-up, and according to Breer, they might consider multiple trade-ups in Round 1.
“As has been expected, with 12 picks and two first-rounders in the chamber, the Chiefs have started to call teams through the 20s about trading up. It might be for a receiver. But I wouldn’t rule out an aggressive move for a corner or pass rusher either. And it’s possible Kansas City will jump from Nos. 29 or 30 up, 10 spots or so, then leap again.
What seems certain is that GM Brett Veach won’t stay static. And part of that, for sure, is that the Chiefs probably don’t have room on their roster for 12 rookies to make the team.”
This tracks with what Brett Veach said just days ago during his pre-draft press conference. He said that he didn’t see the team making a haymaker and moving into the top-10, but he didn’t rule out the smaller trade-up. Specifically, if one of the 16-18 players that they have a first-round grade on falls outside of the teens, they want to be prepared and have a trade partner so they can go up and get that player.
As for which players might be available to the Chiefs in a trade-up situation, it’s hard to tell. Breer mentions the potential for the team to trade up for a wider receiver, cornerback, or pass rusher. Say a player like Alabama WR Jameson Williams falls outside of the top-20 due to his injury, he’s someone they’ve met with and could be interested in moving up for.
Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that Kansas City will trade up in the draft. But it never hurts to be prepared in the event that you have the opportunity to move up to get a good player. The fact that they’re actively making calls tells you that the team is exploring every possible option when it comes to improving the team in this draft.
