Mansoor Delane's steady improvement easing Chiefs early training camp concerns

The Kansas City Chiefs have undeniably been included as part of early training camp overreactions, whether it is the excitement around Cyrus Allen or concern surrounding Mansoor Delane. Both are examples of it being one of the longer off-season Chiefs fans have had to endure, and forced them to react to tiny snippets of players. For Delane, it appears that this has left fans concerned about what the sixth-overall pick is going to be capable of contributing after an underwhelming start to training camp.

One that has been bolstered a bit by a weekend highlight of Delane picking off Patrick Mahomes for the first time in practice. This did a lot to ease fan concern and answered some of the questions that have been lingering around the corner. With that said, reacting too strongly to any practice reps before pads have even come on is a bit shortsighted.

Kansas City understands the talent level of Delane, as well as how much the shoulder injury has been impacting the corner. It is fair to wonder if the defensive back has basically been playing with one arm while not being able to utilize contact. This in itself should take away early camp overreactions to any struggles from Delane.

Chiefs rookie Mansoor Delane is finally showing why he was so highly regarded with latest highlight play

Taking this a step further, Delane's interception was a heads-up play that showed off his ability to track and attack the football, suggesting he is nearing full health. This, along with the fact that the Chiefs have a young secondary that is going to require a level of patience from Steve Spagnuolo, should turn down the anxiety around Delane and whether or not the Chiefs made the right first-round decision. There is a full month of meaningful reps ahead; one week of camp isn't enough to draw a lasting conclusion.

What it has offered is a nice highlight for Delane picking off the league's best quarterback in what can serve as a building block. Spagnuolo is noted for his ability to develop secondary pieces and get the most out of his talent. This hasn't changed, and KC fans should still have a high level of faith that the impressive results will continue moving forward.

For Delane, the corner has to use this play to begin to build confidence as he is dealing with perhaps unfair expectations. Stepping into the middle of a dynasty that just lost Trent McDuffie handed the defender an undeniable uphill battle, one that appears to be tilting in the right direction after a bit of a rough start.

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