The Kansas City Chiefs have gotten the prospects they want so far in the 2026 NFL Draft.
They selected cornerback Mansoor Delane with the No. 6 overall pick, defensive tackle Peter Woods at 29, and edge rusher R Mason Thomas at 40. It’s clear that the Chiefs have prioritized giving their defenses an infusion of young talent with players that could become cornerstone pieces throughout the next several years.
Kansas City Chiefs Wanted to Get Faster on Defense
GettyCB Mansoor Delane
One key trait that Delane, Woods, and Thomas all have in common is speed. That is something the Chiefs sorely missed within their defense last season, particularly along the defensive line. While speaking to the media following the conclusion of Day 2 of the draft, assistant general manager Mike Bradway said adding speed at every level of the defense has been a priority.
“It was adding speed throughout the defense,” Bradway said of their draft goal. “Not only up front, but at each level. You got a 4.3 (40-yard dash) at corner (Delane), you got a defensive tackle that moves really well (Woods), and you got a speed rusher (Thomas). So I think all three of those guys infusing that speed, that energy, that explosiveness, they were big-time targets for us.”
The Chiefs’ defense struggle to bring opposing quarterbacks down, ranking 25th in the league in sacks last season. Former starters such as Charles Omenihu, Mike Danna, and Derrick Nnadi were considerably slow, and did not do much to help out guys like Chris Jones and George Karlaftis. Bradway went on to say that Woods and Thomas should help open things up for them.
“We’ve missed that element with that group,” Bradway said about speed along the defensive line. “Having guys that can run off the ball, get tackles, and turn quick, that opens up guys on the inside to clean things up.”
Chiefs Are Changing Their Philosophy With R Mason Thomas
GettyEdge rusher R Mason Thomas
At 6-foot-2, 241 pounds, Thomas carries a smaller frame than what the Chiefs usually deploy at defensive end. However, Bradberry said all the other traits that Thomas possesses made them willing to make an exception for him.
“I think just the way he plays,” Bradberry said about how Thomas impressed the Chiefs. “He’s tough. He plays the run. He doesn’t run around blocks. He’s not afraid to get in a 6-technique and play double-teams. He’s not a guy who’s just going to seek sacks. I think the character piece matters too. He is an all-out, relentless, high-motor kid. I know he’s not prototype, but the combination of his skill and character make you feel good about it.”
Sometimes players can play bigger than their size, and that appears to be the case with Thomas. The Chiefs will benefit from his speed, while not having to sacrifice much power. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will certainly utilize his strengths and put him in positions to succeed. Thomas and Woods should bring the energy Kansas City’s defensive line needs to be reinvigorated.
Chiefs Have Stuck to Key Theme Throughout the Draft