The Kansas City Chiefs have begun the long-awaited process of building out their pivotal 2026 draft class with a bold trade up at the start of the first round from No. 9 to 6 overall. The man in their sights? LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach didn't say much about the state of cornerbacks in pre-draft comments, and mock drafts were focused on other positions—namely defensive end and wide receiver. However, the decision to trade away third- and fifth-round picks just to move up three slots shows just how much they valued Delane's potential for their secondary.
Delane's position as the draft's top corner was unquestioned coming in, with only Tennessee's Jermod McCoy in the conversation (yet he was coming off of a major injury), so it's not a surprise that such a pass defender would come with rave reviews. Specifically, however, Delane immediately raises the floor at a position that's been devastated by offseason departures.
It's not hard to find draft experts gushing over the newest member of the Chiefs' secondary.
If the Chiefs' internal scouting reports read anything like those of our own draft experts here at FanSided, it's understandable why Veach felt like he had to make a move and get his guy.
FanSided's Marcus Mosher praises Delane for his well-rounded skill set after watching him break out at LSU after three seasons at Virginia Tech.
Meanwhile, college football analyst Nicholas Rome of Saturday Blitz has similarly high opinions of Delane's pro stock, noting how his versatility makes him an even more attractive prospect for a team like K.C.
"In coverage, Delane has boundary-nickel flexibility and erased opposing wide receivers for the Tigers. There isn't a cornerback in the class with a more complete coverage framework, as Delane has a chance to develop into an All-Pro player."
And let's not forget our own Price Carter, who profiled Delane earlier this spring and loved his intelligence and the safe floor he'd provide the Chiefs, if selected.
"Mansoor Delane is an instinctual boundary corner who uses his frame, football IQ, and length to dominate opposing receivers. He is technically sound with fluid hips and strong coverage skills. With growth in ball production and run support, he could grow into an elite NFL cover corner."
They aren't alone in their effusive praise of Delane. Experts online were joining in the chorus.
Delane is a dream scheme fit for Spags. He can play zone and man, but he's a phenomenal, physical corner at the line.
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) April 24, 2026
Makes all the sense in the world for KC
My comp for Mansoor Delane?
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 24, 2026
Trent McDuffie.
Now he'll replace him.
The Chiefs are nearly starting from scratch at the position, but Delane is this draft's best building block at cornerback. With the veteran holdovers, free-agent signings, and potential further picks, the Chiefs look like they've reloaded very quickly in the secondary.