The latestChiefs’ Backup Plan if They Missed out on Mansoor Delane Revealed | Heavy Sports
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer revealed during his draft takeaways that the Chiefs knew they would have to trade up to secure Delane. However, if they were unable to find a trade partner, the Chiefs would have made a choice between Tyson or Downs.
“As the draft drew closer, and the Chiefs gamed it out, they figured if they stayed at No. 9, and they lost out Delane, they’d wind up with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs or Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson. Then, they’d probably have to move up to land San Diego State CB Chris Johnson—and give up a third- or fourth-rounder to do it. So, the logic followed, why not just give up the third-rounder and get the guy they liked more?”
It’s tough to say who they would have chosen between Tyson or Downs, but in this writer’s opinion, it would have been Downs. Talent-wise, Tyson could be the best receiver to come out of this year’s draft, but his long injury history made him a risk. Downs was arguably the most can’t-miss overall prospect, and would have been the ultimate chess piece for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Four things I think after the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2026 NFL Draft | The Athletic
Styles falling created a difficult scenario for K.C. The Chiefs had to figure — before the draft — that the Commanders would be choosing between Delane, Tate, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson. If Washington picked Tate as expected, then New Orleans would be deciding between Tyson, Delane and Downs; in that scenario, perhaps Delane would have been more likely to fall to the Chiefs.
Tate going early — and taking a candidate off the board for Washington and New Orleans — meant Delane was more likely to rise to the top of both teams’ draft boards.
And that’s why Veach made this comment on Thursday: “Once Tate left, it solidified our decision to go up there.”
It’s also worth pointing out that K.C.’s draft strategy was affected by an injury update about Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy. Though McCoy was projected to be an early-to-mid first-round pick for most of the last year, his stock plummeted late after reports emerged that his knee could be a long-term issue.
If Delane and McCoy were healthy and available, the Chiefs would’ve had more wiggle room to remain patient at 9 while feeling like they could get a top corner either way. As it turned out, the Chiefs didn’t take any chances, believing it was worth the extra picks to secure Delane.
Biggest 2026 NFL postdraft questions for all 32 teams | ESPN
How quickly can the Chiefs’ four defensive draft picks make an impact?
The Chiefs’ top four selections were all defenders. We know cornerback Mansoor Delane will likely start in place of Trent McDuffie. But the trio alongside Delane — defensive tackle Peter Woods, defensive end R Mason Thomas and safety Jadon Canady — should have opportunities to be rotational contributors. How well they do will likely determine how much of an improvement the Chiefs’ defense makes in 2026. — Nate Taylor
NFL Power Rankings: Chiefs rising after 2026 draft; 49ers keep reaching on picks | NFL.com
Look, people will question this major jump, just like folks did when I preemptively boosted the Ravens in the last edition of the Power Rankings. Some of this is the value of Patrick Mahomes’ return being factored in, and the sooner we get to him retaking the field, the better the Chiefs are. It’s just that simple. I can probably nitpick some of what Kansas City did in the draft, but I feel pretty good about its first three picks contributing early. CB Mansoor Delane made sense and probably will start. DT Peter Woods and edge R Mason Thomas will be in the pass-rush rotation soon, too. The Chiefs didn’t draft an offensive tackle, and they waited until late to take a receiver. This was all about the defense getting better, and I’m OK with the approach.
Cowboys add WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling amid uncertainty on George Pickens | USA Today
The Dallas Cowboys are adding a little additional help in their receiving amid uncertainty about George Pickens’ status.
On Monday, April 27, the Cowboys agreed to a one-year deal with Marquez Valdes-Scantling, according to multiple reports.
Valdez-Scantling, 31, recorded career lows of 14 catches for 120 yards last season, playing five games apiece for the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2024, however, he flexed his field-stretching ability by averaging 21.6 yards per catch.
The veteran figures to be a depth piece for a receiving corps lacking clarity on one of its most potent weapons.