Chiefs’ 2026 NFL Draft Grades For Every Pick

The Kansas City Chiefs were in a very unfamiliar position and one they don’t plan to be in again. As a result of their disastrous season and a trade with the Cleveland Browns, they had the No. 6 pick in the first round. This perennial powerhouse fell off the edge of the cliff and lost their last six games and finished with a 6-11 record. If the Chiefs weren’t in the same division with the lowly Las Vegas Raiders, they would have likely been in the cellar.

The Chiefs want to upgrade on both sides of the ball, but the first four picks were all on defense. If they can improve in that area and do a better job of getting the ball back for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have a chance to deliver a winning record and possibly make a move towards playoff contention.

They used their top pick on LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, who was widely considered the best cover man in the draft. He should have a chance to step in right away and help turn the Kansas City defense around quickly.

Round 1, No. 6: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Grade: A

The Chiefs needed to make a splash with their first pick and they did so with the selection of Delane. He should fit right into a starting position and take the place of Trent McDuffie, who was traded to the Los Angeles Rams. He is a smart, confident cornerback who will contest every throw that comes his way.

Delane is not a big man at 5-11 and 187, but his skill level is incredibly high and has been able to get the best of nearly every receiver he goes up against. While the caliber of the opposition is much higher at the next level, Delane is smart enough to learn from those players, figure out what they do best and take that strength away from them.  He will start on the outside and can move inside and cover slot receivers if asked to do that.

Round 1, No. 29: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

Grade: B

The Chiefs need help on the interior of their defensive line, and Woods should be able to play a key role in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s rotation. The Chiefs don’t need Woods to step in and start, but if he can pick things up quickly, make contribution in the first half of the season as he learns from veterans like Chris Jones, he could become a starter in the second half of the year.

Woods has the strength in his hands to get the best of blockers and the quickness to get into the backfield. If he can improve his overall consistency, he will make a significant contribution to the Kansas City defense

Round 2, No. 40: R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma

Grade: B

Thomas may be something of a boom-or-bust pick with the team’s second-round choice. On the positive side, Thomas had 9 sacks in 10 games last year, and his quickness made him a very dangerous pass rusher. However, he has had multiple injuries throughout his career and the Chiefs are hoping that the ankle, hamstring and quad problems he had with the Sooners won’t follow him to the NFL.

Thomas is not a big man at 6-2 and 241 pounds, so he is going to have to use his quickness to keep from getting engulfed by much bigger men. This could be somewhat frustrating at the start of his career, but once he learns how to vary his moves, he should come close to contributing at a consistent level.

Round 4, No. 109: Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon

Grade: B-

The Chiefs don’t look at Canady as a cornerback who is going to start and stay on the field for 75-80 percent of the team’s snaps. However, he should be able to play the nickel position when he gets a chance to go on the field. Canady lacks size and does not play with great power, but he is a very sharp athlete who has the skills to cover slot receivers and keep them from producing.

Even though Canady is not a big hitter, he is quite willing and if he doesn’t bring the ball carrier down by himself, he at least slows him down and gives his teammates a chance to finish the play.

Round 5, No. 161: Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska

Grade: B+