Chiefs Trade Up for Cornerback Mansoor Delane

Kansas City moved from No. 9 to No. 6 in the 2026 NFL Draft, sending picks 9, 74, and 148 to Cleveland for LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, the top corner, to replace departing All-Pro Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, and safety Bryan Cook.

Chiefs' bold draft gamble for Mansoor Delane earns conflicting grades

The Chiefs lost McDuffie to the Rams, Watson to free agency, and Cook to the Bengals, leaving a clear corner vacancy. Historically they have found later-round corners, but losing both starters prompted an aggressive early-round move.

Mansoor Delane admits Chiefs call brought overwhelming emotions

Kansas City gave up picks 9, 74, and 148. At LSU, Delane posted 45 tackles, 2 interceptions, 11 pass deflections and allowed only 14 catches on 357 snaps; he earned unanimous All-American and First-Team All-SEC honors and was ranked the second-best coverage corner by Pro Football Focus.

Mansoor Delane admits Chiefs call brought overwhelming emotions

GM Brett Veach said the team “felt it would come down to us and New Orleans” and that the Saints’ recent loss of two corners made Delane a priority. Head coach Andy Reid highlighted Delane’s high energy, strong ball skills, good footwork, size and speed. Delane called the selection “a blessing” and said he wants “to be part of a winning program.”

Chiefs had ‘top-5’ grade on Mansoor Delane, Andy Reid details top pick

Analysts gave mixed grades: CBS Sports B- (citing a third-round cost), The Athletic A (praising aggression), Yahoo Sports C+ (questioning the trade-up), USA Today B- (noting a missed pass-rush chance), and Saturday Blitz A (emphasizing defensive need). The main criticism is the draft capital spent for a player still available at No. 9.

Chiefs' bold draft gamble for Mansoor Delane earns conflicting grades

Delane is expected to become the Chiefs’ CB1, directly addressing the secondary’s biggest weakness and preserving the team’s championship window. The loss of a third- and fifth-round pick, however, reduces depth options on the offensive line and pass rush.

Chiefs' bold draft gamble for Mansoor Delane earns conflicting grades

Delane will attend rookie minicamp and compete for a starting role. Day 2 picks—defensive tackle Peter Woods and edge rusher R Mason Thomas—show continued defensive focus, while future moves may target wide receiver, offensive tackle, safety and linebacker depth.

Heavy

• “He’s a good kid. Tremendous amount of energy, great ball skills, great feet, good size, and good speed on top of all that.” — Andy Reid, Head Coach, Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs had ‘top-5’ grade on Mansoor Delane, Andy Reid details top pick

• “When they called me, I just started crying,” — Mansoor Delane, Cornerback, LSU

Mansoor Delane admits Chiefs call brought overwhelming emotions

• “We just relied on our data analytics and thought the Saints would be likely to take Delane just there because [they lost] two corners the last two years,” — Brett Veach, General Manager, Kansas City Chiefs

Heavy

• “If there’s one guy that’s more aggressive than me, it’s (Saints general manager) Mickey (Loomis),” — Brett Veach, General Manager, Kansas City Chiefs

Heavy