Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach orchestrated a masterclass during the 2022 NFL Draft, securing a mix of impact players that have played a direct role in the team’s continued dominance.
The decisions made during those three days set the stage for what could now be an unprecedented third consecutive championship as they prepare to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome.
Following a crushing defeat in the Super Bowl against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and an overtime loss to Joe Burrow’s Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship Game over the previous two seasons, it became clear that the Chiefs needed to revamp their defensive unit.
Veach wasted no time in addressing that need, assembling a draft class that continues to yield results.
That year’s selections brought in Trent McDuffie, now the team’s top cornerback, sack leader George Karlaftis, starting safety Bryan Cook, and a trio of key defensive backs—Jaylen Watson, Nazeeh Johnson, and Josh Williams.
The additions didn’t stop there, as linebacker Leo Chenal and hard-charging running back Isiah Pacheco also joined the mix. Not every pick was a home run, with Skyy Moore struggling with injuries and offensive lineman Darian Kinnard departing for the Eagles.
However, the depth and talent added in that draft helped keep Kansas City in championship contention. Reflecting on that pivotal draft, Veach acknowledged its importance during an interview with NFL.com on Super Bowl LIX Opening Night.
“That was huge for us,” he said. “Coming off the Tyreek Hill trade, we needed players who could make an impact, and it just turned out that most of them ended up being on the defensive side. But every guy from that class has stepped up, and they’re a big part of why we’re here today.”
Beyond the drafted players, Veach also landed undrafted guard Mike Caliendo, who has been a crucial addition. When Joe Thuney shifted to tackle midway through the season, Caliendo stepped in and became a starter on the offensive line.
The 2022 Draft Class Laid the Foundation for Success
Super Bowl appearances have become routine for this group. “This has been an incredible experience, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Karlaftis said on Tuesday. “When we came in, the focus was on growth and learning, and that’s exactly what we’ve done.
Even though we’re only in Year 3, it feels like we’ve been in the league a lot longer because of everything we’ve been through. The bond we’ve built has made it even better.”
The contributions of that draft class have been vital, particularly during Kansas City’s postseason success. “Once the playoffs hit, there was no such thing as being a rookie,” Karlaftis said, describing the mindset that defined their early years.
McDuffie knew early on that this group had something special. “There’s always something unique about the class you come in with,” he said on Monday. “For me, it was clear from the start during OTAs and rookie minicamp.
We didn’t know each other yet, but the way we connected and communicated showed me how special we were before we even won anything.” Then the victories started piling up, and they haven’t stopped.
McDuffie’s emergence has been a major factor. Last season, he played a crucial role covering the slot en route to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVIII victory. This year, with the team trading veteran corner L’Jarius Sneed to the Titans, McDuffie shifted to the outside and continued to excel.
“Trent is one of the best in the league,” Veach said Monday. “We didn’t necessarily want to move on from Sneed, but given our salary cap situation, it was something we had to do. The fact that we had Trent and some young guys we trusted made it an easier decision.
“We’re always looking to add talent, but having a player like McDuffie makes those tough calls more manageable. Even when you have to make moves for the long-term benefit of the team, knowing you have a player of his caliber makes you feel like you still have a strong shot.”
Veach’s success extended beyond early-round picks, as several late-round selections from that draft have also been difference-makers. Pacheco, Johnson, and Watson all provided crucial contributions.
Watson missed the final 11 games of the 2024 regular season due to an ankle injury, and his absence was felt as opposing offenses targeted the Chiefs’ other corners.
Veach acknowledged that the secondary wasn’t the same without him. However, Watson returned for the playoffs and played a vital role in the wins over the Texans and Bills.
“We had a bit of a drop-off there, but we found our rhythm again,” Veach said. “Seeing him fight through that injury and come back when it mattered most was huge.
He’s an excellent player and a tough competitor, and we’re fortunate to have him back. I know (defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) is thrilled to have him this week, and we’re grateful he’s been with us down the stretch.”
Drafting Well is Key to Sustaining a Dynasty
Finding value in later rounds has become a hallmark of Veach’s tenure. While Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid, and Travis Kelce receive much of the credit for the Chiefs’ continued success, the contributions of these late-round picks have been just as essential.
Brett Veach reflects on the 2022 draft’s role in the Chiefs’ success (Kansas City Chiefs)
“Every general manager takes pride in their selections, but those late-round picks mean a lot,” Veach said. “We’ve had some great finds over the years, whether it’s Trey Smith, Noah Gray, Isiah Pacheco, Nazeeh Johnson, or Jaylen Watson. In a salary cap era, that’s how you sustain success.
The draft is the key. Teams lose players, sometimes at a higher rate than others, and the only way to keep winning is to keep drafting well. That’s been our approach, and we need to keep it going if we want to be back here again.”
Mahomes may be the face of the franchise, but football is the ultimate team sport, and even the best quarterback can’t win championships alone. The 2022 draft class provided the depth and playmaking ability necessary to keep Kansas City at the top, ensuring that their dominance won’t fade anytime soon.
