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} 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.
In exchange for the pick, they gave up the first of two third-round picks (No. 78) to the Cincinnati Bengals and also received pick No. 100.
