Do Chiefs have unrealistic expectations for Mansoor Delane?
Delane will be trying to replace two stars in Kansas City's defense.
Do Chiefs have unrealistic expectations for Mansoor Delane? originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Most knew that due to the losses in free agency, the Kansas City Chiefs were going to try to add a corner via the NFL Draft. And the Chiefs did just that, trading up to take LSU corner Mansoor Delane at No. 6 to help cover the losses of Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson.
But they are big shoes to fill, especially for a rookie in Steve Spagnuolo's system; however, the Chiefs are likely confident that the rookie can step in and contribute straight away. However, for one anonymous NFC executive, the Chiefs might be putting all their eggs in Delane's basket in 2026. "That can work for them, but you're banking on Delane being as good as the All-Pro you already had in your building," an NFC executive said via ESPN's Jeremy Fowler .
Chiefs facing crucial 2026 season Was last year a blip on the radar, or the beginning of something a little more troubling for the Chiefs? Having been at the NFL summit for so long under Patrick Mahomes' guidance, 2025 was the first time the Chiefs didn't make at least the AFC Championship game. So, to miss out on the playoffs altogether was jarring, and now work has been done to refresh the roster in the hopes of returning to the postseason in 2026.