The Kansas City Chiefs made an aggressive move early in the 2026 NFL Draft, and general manager Brett Veach addressed the decision shortly after the first round concluded. Speaking to reporters, Veach confirmed the team targeted LSU defensive back Mansoor Delane all along, even as speculation suggested Kansas City could prioritize the offensive line.
“I thought we did a good job. I think a lot of people thought we might go offensive line there,” Veach said. “But this was our guy the whole time. Again, assuming (David) Bailey and (Arvell) Reese were off the board, again, great players, but we had Delane right up there. It’s hard to find good corners.”
Kansas City ultimately traded picks No. 9, 74, and 148 to the Cleveland Browns to move up to No. 6 and secure Delane, signaling how highly the organization valued the prospect.
Chiefs Trade Up for Mansoor Delane in NFL Draft Decision
Veach said the Chiefs acted decisively because they were concerned that the New Orleans Saints could select Delane first. He specifically pointed to Saints general manager Mickey Loomis as a factor in the decision.
“If there’s one guy that’s more aggressive than me, it’s (Saints general manager) Mickey (Loomis),” Veach said in his night one press conference. “He and I’ve had that experience where we’re eyeing the same guy and when you try to call them when they’re on the pick, it just doesn’t work out.”
Veach added that New Orleans’ roster situation increased the urgency.
“When you looked at their roster, two years ago, they lost Paulson Adebo to the Giants, and then just this past spring they lost Alontae Taylor. I mean, so they’re down two corners.”
Because of that, the Chiefs chose not to risk losing their top target.
“We feel like he was the most complete corner. I’m sure he was the consensus No. 1 corner,” Veach said. “When you’re picking at No. 9, and you’re right there, and you can get the No. 1 corner in the draft, you go get him.”
Brett Veach Reveals Why the Chiefs Keep Mansoor Delane Interest Quiet Before Draft
Veach also revealed the Chiefs deliberately avoided bringing Delane into their facility before the draft to prevent any leaks about their intentions.
“We lost our No. 1 and No. 2 corners (Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson) and so, you know, we just decided and we had Mansoor Delane as a Top 5 guy on our board,” Veach said. “And we just made a decision that if we got in striking distance, let’s just go up there and not leave it to chance. We felt it would come down to us and New Orleans.”
The strategy worked, as Kansas City secured Delane without tipping off other teams ahead of the draft.
Andy Reid Shares Reaction to Mansoor Delane Selection
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid also spoke about Delane following the pick, emphasizing both his talent and character while noting the rookie will still need to earn a starting role.
“He’s a heck of a player, heck of a kid,” Reid said. “I think when you have a chance to talk to him, if you already haven’t, he’s a good kid. Tremendous amount of energy, great ball skills, great feet, good size and good speed on top of it.”
Reid’s comments highlighted the team’s confidence in Delane’s long-term potential within the defensive system.
Chiefs Add Peter Woods and R Mason Thomas to Continue to Strengthen Defense
Kansas City continued to build its defense after selecting Delane. The team added defensive lineman Peter Woods, whom Reid compared to one of the NFL’s most dominant interior players.
“You can say Aaron Donald-type quick – well, he’s not Aaron Donald, yet – that’s a good challenge for him but he has that ability inside,” Reid said. “You’re seeing in the league now, guys that maybe aren’t the biggest guys, but they’re extremely quick and have great body control and can rush the passer.”
Veach pointed to the team’s evolving defensive front following the addition of Woods.
“We get Omarr (Norman-Lott) coming back now and now you have Peter Woods and now Chris Jones and now we have (Khyiris) Tonga,” Veach said. “It looks a lot different than it did last year already, and we still have some more picks to go and hopefully we can keep adding.”
On Day 2, the Chiefs continued that approach by selecting Oklahoma edge rusher R Mason Thomas with the No. 40 overall pick, reinforcing their focus on improving the defense throughout the draft.
Brett Veach Gets Candid on Chiefs’ Decision to Trade Up for Mansoor Delane in NFL Draft