Jul 2, 2026, 1:39 AM CUT

Bad value: NFL analyst delivers harsh verdict on Chiefs' Mansoor Delane trade

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 26: LSU defensive back Mansoor Delane answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on February 26, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire NFL: FEB 26 Scouting Combine EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602260158

The Kansas City Chiefs were scrutinised after their trade to get cornerback Mansoor Delane with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The franchise gave pick Nos. 9, 74, and 148 to the Cleveland Browns to get the star defensive back, but many believe the price was not worth it.

"The Chiefs traded picks Nos. 9, 74, and 148 for No. 6 to select Delane," wrote analyst Seth Walder on ESPN. "He was the best cornerback in the draft, but considering the Chiefs' prowess in developing corners, dealing to move higher in the top-10 to select one seems like bad value. There was some probability that Delane could have fallen to No. 9, too.”

As per Walder, Delane was the draft's top cornerback, but he questioned if giving away additional draft picks made sense for the Chiefs, who have consistently developed defensive backs into high-level contributors.

September 6, 2025: LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane 4 tries to not let Louisiana Tech receiver Marques Singleton Jr. 16 run by him during NCAA, College League, USA football game action between the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA. /CSM Baton Rouge USA - ZUMAc04_ 20250906_zma_c04_278 Copyright: xJonathanxMailhesx

In most of the mock drafts, Delane was linked to the Chiefs to be picked at No. 9. So, according to Seth Walder of ESPN, KC could have gotten him even if they did not trade up and give up three picks for one player.

However, at that time, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach didn't want to risk missing a top cornerback in the class, especially since they traded away Trent McDuffie.

Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid saw him as a top-five candidate. At Louisiana State University, Delane played 11 games, recording 45 tackles, two interceptions, breaking up 13 passes, allowing no touchdowns, and earning All-American honors.

Delane can help fill the gap that is left after the All-Pro Trent McDuffie left the franchise, and also make the defense stronger. The franchise's reason behind the trade makes everything clear.

Chiefs defend bold Mansoor Delane trade despite 'bad value' criticism

The Kansas City Chiefs' aggressive move was made due to their need to fill the secondary rather than chasing the highest-rated defensive back available.

"Following the offseason departures of cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, the Chiefs chose to add the draft's clear No. 1 corner in an attempt to find a blue-chip addition to their overhauled defense," wrote Sports Illustrated's Joshua Brisco.

The front office saw Delane as a cornerstone capable of making an immediate impact, even if it meant sacrificing multiple draft picks. The Chiefs believe the risk was reasonable to secure a player they saw as an elite contender.

They kept their commitment to keep the defense among the NFL's best despite many roster changes.

What are your views on Mansoor Delane? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore