Ranking the Chiefs Last 10 First-Round Picks, Worst to Best

2. Trent McDuffie, CB - 2022

Cornerback and defensive end are widely regarded as the two most important defensive positions and league-wide salaries reflect that. Brett Veach getting two foundational pieces in the same draft at those positions is one of the best accomplishments by any GM over the last few years and is a large reason why the Chiefs have two straight Super Bowls.

Veach gets extra points for this pick too, since he traded up in front of the Buffalo Bills to pull it off. Trent McDuffie officially became a star in 2023, earning First-Team All-Pro honors for his efforts. He had 80 tackles, seven deflected passes, five forced fumbles and three sacks while becoming one of the NFL's best defenders.

It's no secret that the Chiefs churn out cornerbacks like Burger King churns out Whoppers, but McDuffie is Veach and Steve Spagnuolo's magnum opus.

McDuffie feels destined to become a household name and will be thrust into a larger spotlight with L'Jarius Sneed no longer on the team. He's the new leader of the secondary despite being in just his third year, though I believe the Washington product is ready for the challenge.

With McDuffie, Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson, and Nazeeh Johnson manning the cornerback room, the Chiefs are in great shape. Whether or not the defense can maintain it's stellar heights of 2023-24 will largely depend on McDuffie's continued development, but he's clearly a slam-dunk pick in the first round.