Rival NFL executives share their thoughts about the Chiefs’ draft class
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- The Chiefs traded All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Rams before the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Kansas City traded up to select LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane in the first round.
- NFL executives said the Chiefs’ defensive picks should make the unit younger and faster.
The Chiefs got their man.
After trading All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Rams, who also signed Jaylen Watson, the Chiefs had a clear priority going into last week’s NFL Draft.
That’s why the Chiefs contacted Cleveland about moving up in the first round so they could select LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane with the sixth overall pick.
Later in the first round, the Chiefs used the pick they received from the Rams in the McDuffie deal to select Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods. In the fourth round, the Chiefs grabbed Oregon defensive back Jadon Canady.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler spoke to NFL personnel about the draft, and one NFC executive was a bit cautious about the Chiefs plans at cornerback.
“That can work for them,” the exec told Fowler, “but you’re banking on Delane being as good as the All-Pro you already had in your building.”
Delane believes he can be a capable replacement for McDuffie.
“He’s a great player,” Delane said of McDuffie. “I like to study all types of guys in the league, and he’s one of the best to do it, especially with his versatility … I can fit in anywhere in that defense, Spags’ defense, so really just excited to step in and make an impact.”
The Athletic’s Mike Sando also spoke with other NFL executives about the draft, and one believes Delane will make an instant impact for the Chiefs.
“I think the LSU corner (Delane) is Defensive Rookie of the Year,” the executive told Sando. “The movement skills, the production on the ball, the physicality. They get a cost-controlled guy who is going to be really productive, and they moved up to get him instead of waiting to see what happens. I give them credit when a lot of people thought they were going to sit tight and take an offensive lineman.”
Another executive believes the Chiefs, who used their first four picks on defense, will not have to wait on the rookies to see action.
“They got guys that should help them immediately, not redshirt guys,” the executive told Sando. “The defense is going to be younger, faster. On offense, the reality of it is, the guys they already have must play better.”
