The Kansas City Chiefs are set for a youth movement on defense.
They spent four of their seven 2026 NFL Draft selections on defensive players, which were their first four picks of the draft. Here is who they took:
- CB Mansoor Delane (No. 6 overall)
- DT Peter Woods (No. 29 overall)
- DE R Mason Thomas (No. 40 overall)
- DB Jadon Canady (No. 109 overall)
Kansas City Chiefs come in low on latest NFL defense rankings
Following the fallout of the draft, Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report recently ranked each defense in the league. He had the Chiefs coming in at No. 17, citing concern over a lot of turnover in the secondary, also questioning if they did enough to improve the pass rush.
“The status of Patrick Mahomes’ surgically repaired knee is the dominant storyline for the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason, but the Chiefs have some significant questions on defense as well. After trading cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams and losing Jaylen Watson in free agency, Kansas City’s pass defense is undergoing a major overhaul. The team brought in Kader Kohou in free agency and drafted Mansoor Delane sixth overall, but the Chiefs’ cornerbacks will be vastly different in 2026. The pass rush is also a concern. Defensive tackle Chris Jones and edge-rusher George Karlaftis are back, and the team spent a second-rounder on edge-rusher R Mason Thomas, but Kansas City had just 35 sacks as a team in 2025. There’s stability at linebacker with Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill back, but a defense that can’t rush the passer and has uncertainty on the back end means that Steve Spagnuolo has his work cut out for him this season.”
Although they posted a 6-11 record in 2025, the Chiefs actually remained pretty stellar defensively. They ranked 10th in total defense, ninth against the run, and 12th against the pass. As Davenport alluded to, where they really lacked was in the pass rush department, ranking 25th in sacks with 35.
Despite that, 17 still seems a bit low. In the secondary, Kansas City replaced McDuffie and Watson with Delane and Canady, and already have a potential star in the making with Nohl Williams. The Chiefs undoubtably got better along the defensive line — swapping out old, unproductive veterans Charles Omenihu, Mike Danna, and Derick Nnadi — for Woods, Thomas, and Khyiris Tonga.
What Positions Are up for Grabs on Chiefs’ Defense?
GettyDT Peter Woods
The Chiefs are certainly entering the 2026 season with more depth on defense. The starting safety spot opposite new addition Aholi Gilman appears to be up for grabs. Third-year player Jaden Hicks and fourth-year man Chamarri Conner look to be the top two candidates, but Chris Roland-Wallace and undrafted free agent Xavier Nwankpa are also in the mix.
Kansas City needs a new strongside linebacker after the departure of Leo Chenal. Second-year player Cooper McDonald could be the early favorite to step into that role. Six-year veteran Cole Christiansen may also have a case for the job.
There will also be competition for starting roles alongside Chris Jones and George Karlaftis on the defensive line. Woods, Tonga, and second-year man Omarr Norman Lott will battle it out at defensive tackle. At defensive end, Thomas and second-year player Ashton Gillotte appear to be the top contenders. Don’t rule out the Chiefs possibly adding another veteran DE to the mix.
Chiefs’ Defense Gets Disrespect Despite Replenishing During Draft