Here’s how Steve Spagnuolo assesses new Chiefs Delane, Woods, Thomas during OTAs
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Spagnuolo called Mansoor Delane the top corner in this class after he jumped out on tape.
- Spagnuolo praised Peter Woods’ focus and physical traits as an immediate interior.
- Spagnuolo highlighted R Mason Thomas’ get-off and edge bend as standout traits.
Following a free-agency exodus of key defensive players from their 2022 NFL Draft class, the Chiefs went defense-heavy in this year’s draft, using their first four of seven total picks on players for that side of the ball.
On Wednesday — 39 days after the draft concluded — Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo had his first opportunity to share thoughts on the team’s top three selections.
Kansas City began this year’s draft by trading up to No. 6 overall to take LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane.
“He jumped out on tape,” Spagnuolo said. “There was no question about that, and I think we all felt like he was the top corner in this class. I was really intrigued by his story.”
Rather than entering the draft last year, Delane transferred from Virginia Tech to LSU, where he raised his draft stock by becoming one of the best defensive backs in college football.
“I think that speaks volumes about a guy,” Spagnuolo said. “He had a really good year at LSU, so I’m hopeful he’s on that kind of track and he can be a good player for us.”
The Chiefs traded All-Pro Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams, and his running mate, Jaylen Watson, followed him to L.A. in free agency. The situation makes it critical that Delane is ready to start on Day 1 alongside second-year cornerback Nohl Williams.
After beginning the night by taking Delane, the Chiefs concluded the round by selecting defensive tackle Peter Woods at No. 29.
“I’ve been really, really impressed with Pete,” Spagnuolo said. “Not only what he does on the field, but the way he carries himself in the hallways. When you stand up in front of them in a unit meeting, you can see all the faces. I mean, you know whether they’re in tune. He’s focused, and that’s a good thing, especially for a lineman. He seems like he’s got football get-it.”
Along with veteran signee Khyiris Tonga, Woods stands to immediately beef up the interior of the defensive line.
“He’s big, he’s explosive, he’s athletic,” defensive line coach Joe Cullen said. “He played multiple positions at Clemson, and he has a high motor. He’s 310 pounds and he has quickness, explosiveness, and he’s athletic. He can bend for a big guy.”
The Chiefs continued adding to their defensive line on Friday night of the draft with second-round defensive end R Mason Thomas. He initially appeared to be a unique add for Spagnuolo, who has historically favored big and long defensive ends.
But don’t tell Spagnuolo he has a type.
“What is that mold?” he said, smiling while challenging the idea. “I need to get that question answered first. I’d like to think I just like good football players. They don’t all come in one molded size. We’ve had really tall (pass rushers) — I have — and then we’ve had the other kind too.
“R Mason is not the tall, long guy. But the thing that stuck out and stuck out to (general manager) Brett (Veach), myself, all the scouts, was his get-off. He’s got a little bit of juice to him, which I think any defense wants and needs that.”
During Wednesday’s open-media look, Thomas flew around the edge during 11-on-11 and would have likely sacked quarterback Justin Fields in a game situation.
“He has a unique ability,” Cullen said of Thomas, who reminded him of a player he coached with the Detroit Lions in 2008. “Way back when I first got in the league, we had Cliff Avril. We had Frank (Clark) my first year here, so guys that can bend and get in Gumby-like positions and still be running full speed, he has that ability.”
That’s good company. Avril finished his career with 74.0 sacks, Clark with 58.5.
When speaking about the departures of McDuffie, Watson, Bryan Cook and Leo Chenal, Spagnuolo grew somewhat emotional, likening them to his own sons.
“Other than when we play them, I hope they do really good,” Spagnuolo said. “I miss them. I miss them every day, but that’s part of this business. Over the course of the years that I’ve had in this, I’ve had close relationships — my wife and I — with all these guys, and part of the business is they move on.
“It’d be really selfish of me to think that I could have them forever, but good for them that they were able to move on and do really well.”
Now his task shifts to developing Delane, Woods and Thomas — so one day, maybe it will be their turn to grow and go.
