Chiefs News 4/28: Chiefs had backup plan if trade-up fell through

San Diego, California - November 22: Chris Johnson #1 of San Diego State acknowledges the crowd during their game at Snapdragon Stadium against San Jose State on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images) The latest Chiefs’ Backup Plan if They Missed out on Mansoor Delane Revealed | Heavy Sports Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer revealed during his draft takeaways that the Chiefs knew they would have to trade up to secure Delane.

However, if they were unable to find a trade partner, the Chiefs would have made a choice between Tyson or Downs. “As the draft drew closer, and the Chiefs gamed it out, they figured if they stayed at No. 9, and they lost out Delane, they’d wind up with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs or Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson.

Then, they’d probably have to move up to land San Diego State CB Chris Johnson—and give up a third- or fourth-rounder to do it. So, the logic followed, why not just give up the third-rounder and get the guy they liked more? ” It’s tough to say who they would have chosen between Tyson or Downs, but in this writer’s opinion, it would have been Downs.

Talent-wise, Tyson could be the best receiver to come out of this year’s draft, but his long injury history made him a risk. Downs was arguably the most can’t-miss overall prospect, and would have been the ultimate chess piece for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Four things I think after the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2026 NFL Draft | The Athletic Styles falling created a difficult scenario for K.