The Kansas City Chiefs' first-round selection of former LSU Tigers cornerback Mansoor Delane got the most attention in the Kingdom over the three days of the 2026 draft. His backup, who may not be a backup for long, may become a story despite not being one this past weekend.
Former Oregon Ducks corner Jadon Canady, taken with the No. 109 pick in the fourth round, enters the league with less hype than many of his CB classmates. Most notably, Canady doesn't have a frame that screams "NFL starter" to the masses, standing 5'10" and weighing 180 pounds. Fortunately, that's something Chiefs Head Strength and Conditioning Coach/Director of Sports Science Ryan Reynolds could directly address. And it's not like Canady doesn't have a 73.75-inch reach to work with.
Worries about big, powerful running backs shedding Canady's tackling are totally valid. It was less pronounced in college, but the pros are a different beast. Still, he was strong against the run from the nickel spot, amassing 25 solo tackles in run support and open-field situations for the Ducks in 2025, earning a run-defense grade of 74.7 from Pro Football Focus.
In coverage, Canady was disciplined during his final collegiate season. He had just two penalties in 603 snaps. Granted, he struggled earlier in his career against bigger receivers, but Canady seemingly had that figured out under Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi, and CB coach Rashad Wadood. Perhaps being coached up by Steve Spagnuolo and Co. could keep Canady's developmental momentum going.
Who is Jadon Canady's Competition in Chiefs' CB Room?
Canady has a good chance to get significant snaps during his rookie year. His primary competition for snaps at the nickel spot is Kader Kohou and Alohi Gilman.
Kohou missed the entire 2025 season after tearing his ACL during training camp last July. During Kohou's last healthy season in 2024, he had two interceptions and eight pass deflections in 15 games.
Gilman, meanwhile, helped the Baltimore Ravens during his short tenure. This is especially true against opposing ground attacks, as Gilman had a 71.6 run-defense grade from PFF. Gilman should see most of his snaps at safety, though.
There's a clear opening for Canady to establish a role in Kansas City this summer. We'll see if he can fill out his frame and become a talent many will see as undervalued during the 2026 pre-draft process.
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