Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has consistently shown that he is not afraid to make major changes to the roster. While last year's team failed to make the playoffs, the Chiefs are confident in their ability to bounce back in 2026.
Still, there is no running away from the weaknesses of the Chiefs. They have lost two starting cornerbacks this offseason, while one went through a trade. What is the plan to replace them? With two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chiefs will have their opportunities.
Recently, ESPN's Matt Bowen highlighted a potential improvement: drafting LSU's Mansur Delaney with the ninth overall selection in the first round. Bowen believes Delaney will "thrive" in Kansas City, playing under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
"Kansas City played man coverage on 52.3% of opponent dropbacks in 2025, which is the fourth-highest rate in the league. Delaney will thrive in those coverages (primarily Cover 1, Cover 0 and Cover 2 man) with the speed to match him vertically as a press corner. Plus, he can jam and sink into Cover 2. It's an easy fit for someone who I think is top in the class. Is a cornerback."
Delaney is widely viewed as the best cornerback in the draft class, and he would certainly bring an elite athlete back to Kansas City's secondary. Delaney's 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the LSU Pro Day showed he has the speed to keep up with the game's greatest athletes; Now he just has to prove it. He may get this opportunity in Kansas City.
Still, other teams selecting in the top ten also need cornerbacks. The question is whether they are willing to choose one of the top ten for this position, or whether they will find other needs more important. The same is true for the Chiefs, who could also use an edge rusher, offensive tackle or possibly another pass-catching weapon for Mahomes.
If the Chiefs determine that Delaney is not the right fit with the ninth overall pick, they could move back into the position later, as they also have the 29th overall pick in the first round.
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