The Kansas City Chiefs blew a big hole in their secondary when they traded Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams, but could soon have the chance to fill part of it.
Analyst Alec Elijah of Pro Football Sports Network believes the Chiefs will face a rare opportunity in the upcoming NFL draft, selecting earlier than usual with the top defensive back still on the board. Elijah suggested the Chiefs will jump at the opportunity, finding an immediate replacement for McDuffie in the secondary.
Chiefs Take Top Cornerback With No. 9 Pick
Elijah predicted the Chiefs would land LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane with the No. 9 overall pick.
“Losing talent in the offseason is part of the game, but when two starting cornerbacks are let go and traded away, that can quickly shift a teamâs draft priorities,” Elijah wrote. “Thatâs the situation facing the Kansas City Chiefs, who now enter the first round with a clear need in the secondary and a prime opportunity to address it.”
Elijah believes Delane will still be on the board when it’s time for the Chiefs to pick, giving them a McDuffie replacement who is ready to start on opening day.
“The name that stands out for Kansas City is LSUâs Mansoor Delane, regarded as PFSNâs consensus CB1 in this class,” Elijah wrote. “After posting a class-leading 96.8 PFSN CB Impact grade in 2025, Delane has separated himself as one of the most NFL-ready defensive backs available.”
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein agreed with Elijah’s assessment, calling Delane one of the most NFL-ready defensive backs in the draft.
“Delane is one of the top cornerbacks in a CB-rich draft,” Zierlein wrote. “He excels in press coverage, altering release timing with punches and slides. Smooth hips and efficient footwork keep him connected in man coverage, while his processing allows for quick transitions in off-man and short zone looks. He has good top-end speed for vertical phasing but is inconsistent turning to find the football.”
Zierlein added that Delane also proved in 2025 that he can play through injury.
“He played through a core muscle injury for much of the 2025 season and still performed at an elite level,” Zierlein wrote. “Delaneâs emergence over the past two years might be indicative of whatâs to come, as heâs shown lockdown potential.”
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