By MATT PIKE
The 2026 NFL Draft kicked off on Thursday night with the Kansas City Chiefs holding two first round picks, using both picks in the first night to add to the defensive side of the ball.
The Chiefs started the night holding picks #9 and #29 in the first round. After five picks went by, that #9 pick, turned into the #6 pick as General Manager Brett Veach and Kansas City traded up with the Cleveland Browns, sending pick #9, pick #74 (3rd round), and pick #148 (5th round) to the Browns. With the pick, the Chiefs selected LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane.
Delane spent his first three collegiate seasons at Virginia Tech, collecting six interceptions, 16 passes defensed and 146 tackles in 33 games for the Hokies. This past season, Delane transferred to LSU, where he cemented himself as a top corner in the FBS. Delane started all 11 games during his senior season, with two interceptions and 11 passes defensed despite seeing only 35 targets. He was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which goes to the nation's best defensive back, and was named a first-teamer on the All-American and All-SEC teams.
Scouts say there are few weaknesses to Delane's game. Scouting reports show he's a bit over aggressive with his hands in coverage but can otherwise be counted on to make an impact in myriad ways. Delane is effective lined up in various spots defensively and is efficient in multiple coverage types, sporting good tracking in zone situations and the physicality to press opposing receivers. That physicality translates after the catch, as well, Delane is a thumper who wraps up superbly at a position for which sure tackling is usually a trait gone missing.
His 4.35-second 40-yard dash at his pro day also makes it clear he can keep up with the league's speedier wideouts, which was perhaps the lone, lingering question mark regarding his trajectory after he didn't test at the combine.
Holding on to pick #29, the Chiefs added to the defensive line drafting Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods. Kansas City acquired the #29 overall pick from the Los Angeles Rams as part of the trade for cornerback Trent McDuffie.
Woods appeared in 35 games with 24 starts for the Tigers. He was a first-team All-ACC honoree in 2025, recording 30 total tackles with 3.5 tackles for loss, a pair of sacks, and two passes defensed. He also showed versatility playing offense, rushing for two touchdowns. He finished his college career with 14.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and two forced fumbles.
The Chiefs now have five remaining selections over the next six rounds after starting the weekend with nine total selections. Veach will begin Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft with the following picks.
- Round 2, #40 overall
- Round 4, #109 overall
- Round 5, #169 overall
- Round 5, #176 overall
- Round 6, #210 overall
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