The Kansas City Chiefs‘ 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books.
They addressed a variety of needs throughout their roster, especially on the defensive side. Each of their first four selections came on defense, then their final three picks were on offense.
Until those seven players hit the field, experts and fans will debate how much of an impact they will make. However, on Monday the Chiefs received some big praise for their first and last picks of the draft, who just happened to be college teammates at LSU.
Kansas City Chiefs Commended for Selections of CB Mansoor Delane and QB Garrett Nussmeier
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NFL analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid of ESPN shared several opinions about the draft. When asked what his favorite trade was, Miller answered with the Chiefs trading up from No. 9 to No. 6 with the Cleveland Browns to take Delane.
“The Chiefs moving up to No. 6 to select cornerback Mansoor Delane. There was enough buzz that the Commanders or Saints would consider Delane to convince the Chiefs they had to be aggressive in moving up from No. 9 to get him. Desperately needing corners in a draft with only one elite one, it was smart of them to secure Delane by moving up three spots.”
Kansas City gave up their 74th and 148th overall picks to the Browns to secure Delane. In the lead up to the draft, Delane was consistently touted as the top cornerback in this year’s class. He is smooth and fluid in coverage, and possesses 4.3 40-yard dash speed.
When asked which quarterback went to the best landing spot in the draft (besides Fernando Mendoza to the Las Vegas Raiders), Reid chose Nussmeier to the Chiefs.
“Nussmeier with the Chiefs. While it took a lot longer than expected, Nussmeier went to Kansas City at pick No. 249 and gets a chance to learn under coach Andy Reid. With Patrick Mahomes recovering from an ACL injury, Nussmeier has a chance to compete with Justin Fields for significant reps in training camp.”
Many expected Nussmeier to be a mid-round pick, but Kansas City got him at the tail end of the draft. He battled through a cyst on his spine that derailed his 2025 season, which is what likely caused him to fall down the draft board. However, he had a huge 2024 season, throwing for 4,052 yards and 29 TDs.
Examining the Rest of Chiefs’ 2026 Draftees
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The Chiefs made several other impressive picks between Delane and Nussmeier. They selected Peter Woods at No. 29 overall, who should at the least be in a rotational role among the defensive tackles, if not a starter opposite Chris Jones.
Kansas City stuck with the defensive line at No. 40, taking edge rusher R Mason Thomas. Like Woods, Thomas should also compete for a starting role, but will at least be a key part of the pass rush rotation.
The Chiefs went back to the cornerback well at No. 109 by selecting Jadon Canady. He is more of a hybrid player, who will contribute at nickel and possibly at safety. With the No. 169 pick, K.C. finally went offense by taking running back Emmett Johnson.
The RB room is suddenly loaded, but Johnson will be firmly in the mix to be the backup to starter Kenneth Walker III. At 176th overall, the Chiefs picked wide receiver Cyrus Allen. Behind their top three WRs — Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton — the competition is pretty wide open.
Chiefs Receive Big Praise for 2 Specific Moves During Draft