How sweet it is that we can finally analyze what did happen for the Chiefs in the first round of the draft, rather than speculating about what could happen. Brett Veach was on the phones early in the night, trading up to the No. 6 overall pick in exchange for No. 9, a third-round pick (No. 74), and a fifth-round pick (No. 148), to select LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. Veach then followed that up by securing Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods, sticking at pick No. 29.
At face value, these are two objectively very good football players with serious blue-chip ability. The focus on the defensive side of the ball was clear after losing so much talent to free agency. It was also incredibly refreshing that Kansas City did not do the impulsive thing and draft a right tackle prospect to add to an already heavily invested in offensive line.
Whether they improve the team's two biggest roster weaknesses, even before going into the first round at edge rusher and cornerback, remains to be seen, as the Chiefs have just one pick at No. 40 on Friday night after giving up the No. 74 overall pick to move up and select Delane. So, let’s dive into the Chiefs' two biggest investments in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mansoor Delane Is an Excellent Addition, but at What Cost
It’s clear to see why the Chiefs were so intrigued by Delane. Standing 6’0”, weighing in at 190 lbs, with the ability to run a 4.38 40-yard dash, Delane is a one-of-a-kind athlete who is incredibly versatile, making him both smooth and sticky in coverage.
After three years at Virginia Tech, Delane transferred to LSU to finish out his college career. And boy, did he impress, accounting for a combined 45 tackles, two interceptions, and a gaudy 11 passes defensed, earning him First-Team All-SEC recognition.
Delane’s game fits perfectly in a Steve Spagnuolo defense, as he excels in press-man coverage with masterful footwork, great timing instincts, and smooth hips. He’s also bigger than the last CB the Chiefs selected in the first round, Trent McDuffie. Delane is just as capable as McDuffie, allowing him to slide into the slot and bring blitzes off the edge. He’s got good ball skills, which should hopefully help the Chiefs produce more turnovers on defense.
Delane should be a day one starter, primarily on the outside opposite CB Nohl Williams, with veteran Kristian Fulton the first man off the bench. It gives the Chiefs a physical, smart, and very instinctual trio at corner, something that has served them well in the past.
The process to trade up for Delane, however, when it was quite clear he would have been there at No. 9, is not my favorite. Especially when you consider Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. was still on the board, and would have instantly solved the Chiefs' pass-rushing woes. If Delane can prove to be an absolute lockdown corner against most receivers, there would be no doubt the Chiefs hit on the top-10 selection. But part of me will always wonder what could have been if Veach had just stuck at No. 9, keeping the valuable third-round pick.
Chiefs D-Tackle Room Looking Scary After Peter Woods Selection
At No. 29, the Chiefs decided to stay put and select an absolute home-run prospect late in the first round, Clemson DT Peter Woods. The 21-year-old out of Clemson not only has immense potential as a three-tech interior presence, but is already quite experienced at the position. Woods, in his final two years at Clemson, had five sacks and 12 tackles for loss, providing juice in both the run and pass game.
He’s not an overly freaky athlete, but standing 6'2" at a playing weight of just over 300 lbs, Woods is explosive and hard to move off from his spot. He’s got great lateral quickness and can shed blockers quickly, freeing himself up to climb the pocket. Woods's 2024 tape may be a tad more impressive after a somewhat down 2025 campaign. Much of that had to do with weight fluctuations, though, so I don't doubt that after a few months within an NFL building with advanced nutrition and consistent strength training, Woods can find a comfortable play weight.
The Chiefs had already done a fine job of adding to the defensive tackle room alongside Chris Jones, drafting Omarr Norman-Lott in the second round in 2025, and signing Khyiris Tonga to a three-year contract during free agency. It gives the Chiefs a top-end foursome at DT that should strike fear in any opponent.
Kansas City still has needs to fill in this draft, but adding two potential stars on defense is a good start. Of course, this is as long as the price the Chiefs had to pay to land both does not come back to haunt Kansas City down the road.
More Kansas City Chiefs News and Rumors:
Add us as a preferred source on Google