Chiefs, Cowboys Target Same Position Need in 2026 NFL Draft

Both teams have multiple first-round picks to address a key defensive need.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:33pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an abstract football scene, with sharp planes of color and form representing the strategic decisions and competitive nature of the NFL draft process.The Chiefs and Cowboys' shared need for a top cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft is reflected in this cubist-inspired illustration.Kansas City Today

The Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys both have two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, and ESPN analyst Matt Bowen believes they could target the cornerback position with those selections. Bowen projects the Chiefs taking LSU's Mansoor Delane at #9 overall and the Cowboys selecting Tennessee's Colton Hood at #20 to bolster their secondaries.

Why it matters

Cornerback is a critical position in today's pass-heavy NFL, so the Chiefs and Cowboys addressing that need early in the draft could pay big dividends for their defenses. Both teams have openings at the position, making it a logical target as they look to reload for the 2026 season.

The details

According to Bowen, the Chiefs have holes at cornerback after trading Trent McDuffie and losing Jaylen Watson to the Rams. Delane would be an ideal fit in Kansas City's man-heavy defensive scheme. Meanwhile, the Cowboys could land Hood at #20 to pair with free agent addition Cobie Durant and slot corner DaRon Bland, giving them a strong trio in the secondary under new coordinator Chris Parker.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Mansoor Delane

A cornerback prospect from LSU who is projected as a potential first-round pick by ESPN analyst Matt Bowen.

Colton Hood

A cornerback prospect from Tennessee who is projected as a potential first-round pick by ESPN analyst Matt Bowen.

Trent McDuffie

A cornerback who was previously on the Kansas City Chiefs roster but has since been traded.

Jaylen Watson

A cornerback who was previously on the Kansas City Chiefs roster but has since signed with the Los Angeles Rams.

Cobie Durant

A cornerback who recently signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent.

DaRon Bland

A cornerback who is currently on the Dallas Cowboys roster, expected to play in the slot.

Chris Parker

The new defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, previously from the Philadelphia Eagles.

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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

“Cornerbacks with Hood's skill set in coverage tend to go higher than projected. And I like the fit under new coordinator Chris Parker, who will bring elements of Vic Fangio's defense from Philadelphia.”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft order will be finalized in the weeks leading up to the event, and teams will continue to evaluate prospects and make decisions on their roster needs.

The takeaway

The Chiefs and Cowboys are both in position to address a key defensive need at cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft, with multiple first-round picks to work with. Selecting top talents like Mansoor Delane and Colton Hood could significantly boost their secondary units for the upcoming season.