For the first 45 picks of the 2018 NFL Draft, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach was patient.
But when the player he wanted — Mississippi defensive lineman Breeland Speaks — was still available at No. 46, Veach jumped.
Speaks, 22, is listed at 6 feet 3 and 283 pounds. In 2017, he recorded 67 tackles (eight for loss) and seven sacks, which were all career-highs, primarily as a defensive end.
Speaks has long arms (33 ¾ inches), and he also ran an impressive 40-yard dash (4.87) for his size and possesses plus overall athleticism. He fills a need along the defensive line, where the Chiefs will have several players currently ticketed to be free agents next season.