The Kansas City Chiefs are hoping for a different outcome in 2026 after missing the postseason last year. They flipped things around on the roster, which included moving up to select cornerback Mansoor Delane.
Kansas City gave Cleveland picks 9, 74, and 148 in exchange for No. 6 to snag Delane. Giving up those kinds of assets shows how the Chiefs viewed him, giving him a clear path to making a difference from the get-go.
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox released a piece discussing the outlook for every first-round pick going into training camp. In that piece, Knox believes that Delane's initial role will be competing for a starting job.
Most fans and people inside the building believe he can start from day 1, which is why they moved up to draft him. And if he answers the call in training camp with flying colors, it'll give him a nice win before the campaign even kicks off.
Chiefs fans have clear idea how they want Mansoor Delane scenario to unfold
Knox pointed out that Delane will have to battle against Nohl Williams, L'Jarius Sneed, and Kader Kohou. While they have an NFL experience edge over Delane, what he did in college showcased how high his ceiling can be.
Delane has quick feet and fluid hips that allow him to swiftly change directions with ease. He's also very disciplined in coverage and will drive on the ball when in the air. The Athletic's Dane Brugler also heaped praise on Delane when talking about him in his draft guide.
"Delane plays with the route anticipation and temperament to stay attached in coverage and squeeze catch windows. He projects as a starting outside NFL cornerback, with the skill set to move inside over the slot."
Last season with the LSU Tigers, Delane had 45 total tackles, 11 pass deflections, and two interceptions. He also allowed zero touchdowns and committed zero penalties in 2025. That's without mentioning how durable he's been, starting in 40 games in college.
Ironically enough, he missed minicamp due to a shoulder injury, but the team is hopeful that he will be ready for the start of camp.
That will be key for him going into the 2026 season. The Chiefs took him with the sixth overall pick to be their CB1, and if he comes out this summer and proves that immediately, it'll go a long way with KCKingdom.
The Chiefs have a ton of faith in him, and now it's on Delane to prove them right on the field. And that's by snatching a starting job without looking back.
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