ESPN Analyst Highlights Prospect Who Would ‘Thrive’ with Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has consistently shown that he’s 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. Yet, there’s no running from the Chiefs’ weaknesses.
While one departed via trade, they’ve lost two starting cornerbacks this offseason. What’s 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 one potential fix: Draft LSU’s Mansoor Delane with the ninth overall pick in the first round. Bowen believes Delane would “thrive” in Kansas City, playing under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. “Kansas City played man coverage on 52.
3% of opponent dropbacks in 2025, the fourth-highest rate in the league. Delane would thrive in those coverages (mainly Cover 1, Cover 0 and Cover 2 Man) as a press corner with the speed to match vertically. Plus, he can jam and sink in Cover 2.
This is an easy fit for who I think is the top cornerback in the class. ” Delane is widely viewed as the best cornerback in the draft class, and he’d certainly inject an elite athlete back into Kansas City’s secondary. Delane’s 4.