Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs sign top draft pick Speaks to rookie deal

Published May. 24, 2018 5:50 p.m. ET

The Chiefs selected Breeland Speaks (9) with the 46th pick of the draft.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Chiefs signed second-round draft pick Breeland Speaks to his four-year rookie contract Thursday, making him the third of their six draft selections to sign a deal.

Kansas City did not have a first-round pick this year after trading it away last year to move up and select quarterback Patrick Mahomes II. So, new general manager Brett Veach waited until the 46th overall pick to grab Speaks, who is expected to bolster the Chiefs' weak pass rush this season.

Speaks played three seasons at Mississippi, where he had 121 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and nine sacks. But the Chiefs hope his production will increase now that he can focus on outside linebacker.

The Chiefs needed help there even before parting with veteran Tamba Hali this offseason.