In the 2026 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs struck a deal with the Cleveland Browns to draft Mansoor Delane. After the draft pick, the feedback came from head coach Brian Kelly, who recruited Delane out of high school.

The story sort of explains why Kansas City traded up to pick him at No. 6 overall. Back in December 2024, Delane transferred to the LSU Tigers from Virginia Tech. On his very first day of spring practice, he walked right up to Coach Kelly with a bold observation.

“I remember in spring practice, first day there, he (Mansoor) comes up to me and he goes, ‘Coach, you’re making this too easy,’" recalled Kelly. "I said, ‘We’re not giving you enough reps, or what’s the deal?’ He goes, ‘No, the WR’s splits are telling me every single route you’re running.’"

Still new in the Baton Rouge camp, Mansoor noticed that their positioning was tipping off what route they were about to run. By simply reading the splits, which is how wide or narrow a receiver stands from the offensive line, he could predict every route before the play even started. 

"I was like, 'Okay, we got a dude here!' He’s a student of the game, and those are the kind of guys who separate themselves,” former head coach Kelly stated.

This high level of intelligence allowed Delane to dominate during his single season with the Tigers.

In his lone season at LSU, he started all 11 games, recording 45 tackles and defending 11 passes. The cornerback came up with two interceptions, finishing second in the SEC in passes defended.

The mix of raw physical toughness and a high-level mental game is exactly what turned him into a unanimous All-American in 2025. Because he could outthink opponents before the ball was even snapped, his draft stock went through the roof. 

The Chiefs were sold on his potential and didn't want to risk losing him. They pulled off a trade with the Browns, giving up three picks just to jump up to the No. 6 spot and secure him.

Mansoor Delane Explains How He Can Best Fit Into The Chiefs

Taken No. 6 overall by the Chiefs, cornerback Delane was the first LSU player selected in the draft. He also led all SEC players off the board in the first round and became the third-highest drafted defensive back in LSU history.

In a video call with reporters on April 23, Delane addressed how he plans to contribute to the Chiefs' defense.

“I can fit anywhere in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. So, really just excited to step in and make an impact," said the cornerback.

Delane is a very fast player, having run a 40-yard dash in only 4.38 seconds. Then comes his versatility, where he stands out with a background as a press-man boundary corner. Delane also possesses the flexibility to shift inside to defend slot receivers if required.

He is expected to fill the void left by Trent McDuffie, who was traded by the Chiefs to the Los Angeles Rams.

With his speed and experience, will he contribute to the Chiefs' immediate success? 

Find more news at the Kansas City Chiefs.

Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar