Chiefs News 4/18: Brett Veach hints at a non-premium position for No. 9

Key Points:

• Chiefs GM Brett Veach emphasized the importance of adding a cerebral, leadership-type safety similar to past players like Tyrann Mathieu and Justin Reid, with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs being a potential fit at No. 9 overall.
• Despite having bigger positional needs such as defensive end, receiver, and defensive tackle, Veach did not rule out selecting the best impact player available, even if it is a non-premium position like safety.
• An AFC North area scout favors selecting edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami at No. 9, praising his power, leverage, motor, and strong College Football Playoff performance, while planning to address defensive back needs later in the draft.
• The Chiefs could potentially trade down from the 29th pick to the Arizona Cardinals at 34th if the Cardinals seek to move up late in the first round, especially if quarterback prospects like Ty Simpson fall down the board.
• Rueben Bain Jr. is the fan favorite and most likely pick at No. 9 due to his physical, high-effort style, though concerns remain about his long-term ceiling compared to players like Brandon Graham who had modest peak production.