The Kansas City Chiefs made a somewhat bold move when they traded up three spots to get CB Mansoor Delane at No. 6. While they probably could've had him in their original slot at No. 9, that shows just how high they were on the LSU disruptor.
Delane was head and shoulders above every other cornerback in this class, and with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson no longer in the building, they had a glaring need for a shutdown defender in coverage, and that's just what they got with Delane.
Of course, he's going to have some big shoes to fill, which is ironic, given the by no means the bigger cornerback out there. Nevertheless, the 5'11", 187-pound cornerback has the potential to help this team return to the final game of the season right out of the gate.
Mansoor Delane Can Make Chiefs Fans Forget All About Trent McDuffie
Delane's man coverage abilities were second to none in this class. His stickiness is impressive, and he's not the type of guy who's going to fall for many headfakes or fancy moves. Meanwhile, his ball-tracking skills and hands are notorious.
His route anticipation and discipline help him stay in front of his guy at all times. He didn't play a lot in the slot, but he shows the skills to potentially do so if needed, even though he's projected to be a dominant force on the outside.
Delane is a fluid athlete with enough quick burst to hold his own against other speedsters in vertical routes. He didn't draw a single penalty or allow a single touchdown in his final season in college, and while he may struggle to adjust to the physicality and size of the National Football League, he's someone who, like the cliche states, plays much bigger than his size.
Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has always been a master at patching the secondary up. This isn't the first time the Chiefs have lost a star in the defensive backfield, and getting a top-ten pick gives them a perfect opportunity to address that need with someone who can contribute right out of the gate.
The Chiefs used their first three picks on defensive players, which sends a clear message about their approach for the upcoming campaign. They're looking to maul and stop people, and that approach helped them win consecutive Super Bowls just a couple of years ago. Some fans may have rather see them add playmakers on offense, and rightfully so, but it shouldn't be long before Delane becomes a fan favorite in Arrowhead Stadium.
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