Chiefs Linked to Cornerback Mansoor Delane in 2026 NFL Draft

Multiple analysts predict the Chiefs will select the LSU standout with their top pick.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:34pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a range of blues, greens, and grays.Analysts see LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane as a perfect match for the Chiefs' defensive scheme and secondary needs.Kansas City Today

The Kansas City Chiefs hold two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including the 9th overall selection. Multiple NFL analysts have predicted the Chiefs will use that pick to select former LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, who is viewed as a strong fit for the team's defensive scheme under coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Why it matters

The Chiefs' secondary underwent significant changes this offseason, trading away All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie and losing Jaylen Watson to free agency. Selecting Delane would help address that need and provide the Chiefs with a talented press-man cornerback to pair with their existing defensive pieces.

The details

ESPN's Matt Bowen, Mina Kimes, and Todd McShay have all projected Delane to the Chiefs at No. 9 overall, citing his ability to thrive in the team's man-coverage heavy defensive scheme. NFL.com's Eric Edholm has also mocked Delane to Kansas City in his latest draft projection.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23 in Pittsburgh.
  • The Chiefs acquired the No. 29 overall pick in a trade with the Rams earlier this month.

The players

Mansoor Delane

A standout cornerback from LSU who is projected as a potential top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Trent McDuffie

An All-Pro cornerback who the Chiefs traded away earlier this offseason.

Jaylen Watson

A cornerback who left the Chiefs in free agency this offseason.

Chris Jones

An All-Pro defensive tackle who is the Chiefs' top pass-rushing threat.

Patrick Mahomes

The Chiefs' three-time Super Bowl MVP and two-time NFL MVP quarterback.

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What they’re saying

“The Chiefs have some spots to fill at cornerback after trading Trent McDuffie and losing Jaylen Watson to the Rams. So, let's give them Delane, who has the traits to fit in coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's system.”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN Analyst

“Delane would thrive in those coverages (mainly Cover 1, Cover 0, and Cover 2 Man) as a press corner with the speed to match vertically. Plus, he can jam and sink in Cover 2. This is an easy fit for who I think is the top cornerback in the class.”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN Analyst

“Delane is a dream fit for the Chiefs and Spagnuolo.”

— Mina Kimes, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place on April 23 in Pittsburgh, where the Chiefs will have the opportunity to make their selections and address their roster needs.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' secondary underwent significant changes this offseason, and the team's need at cornerback has led multiple analysts to predict they will use their top draft pick on LSU standout Mansoor Delane, who is viewed as an ideal fit for their defensive scheme.