The Kansas City Chiefs certainly understand the nuances of the NFL Draft, and by focusing on defense with their two first-round picks, they addressed areas of need. Forget how the Monsoor Delane and Peter Woods picks fell in the draft – both will make an immediate impact.
Kansas City Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach admitted after the first round that he had thrown curveballs to the media, creating the impression that the Chiefs were serious about selecting an offensive tackle in the first round.
Well, that was clearly false. The Chiefs kept their feelings for Monsoor Delane to themselves. Further, they didn’t really open up a dialogue with him until a few weeks ago, and that was via a Zoom call.
NFL teams need to announce only Top 30 visits, not Zoom calls with NFL prospects. Delane fills a major need for the Chiefs’ defense and will instantly become a starter, likely opposite Nohl Williams.
Delane was the best cornerback in this draft, and Kansas City made the trade with the Cleveland Browns to move up to the sixth position to grab the one player they rated the highest on their board.
Further, in making the trade, it’s quite likely the Chiefs won’t pick this high again for the foreseeable future. So don’t think that was lost in the war room when the Chiefs used a diversion to grab Delane.
They paid a steep price by giving up a third-round pick, which means Friday night they’ll only have a second-round selection. The goal was to find four starters, so tonight’s pick has to be as impactful as their first-round draftees.
At pick #29, Kansas City selected arguably the most talented defensive tackle in this draft. Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods entered the 2025 NFL season as the likely number one pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
However, his numbers decreased, thanks in large part to the Clemson coaching staff’s inability to find a cohesive message. Thus, Woods was forced to wing it last season, but don’t make the mistake of thinking he’s not talented.
He is a Chris Jones clone who can play inside and outside and has a motor unmatched by most players in this draft.
Steve Spagnuolo can play him inside next to Omarr Norman-Lott and put Chris Jones on the outside as a pure pass rusher. He will make an immediate impact, and the fact that he was available at the end of round one was a stroke of luck for Kansas City.
For those who don’t understand this pick and wanted Kansas City to grab weapons for Patrick Mahomes, here’s your dose of reality.
In signing Kenneth Walker III in free agency, Mahomes has a legitimate starting running back who will improve the offense in 2026. Yes, it might seem unfair not to add more toys for Mahomes, but here’s the reality.
Tyreek Hill is likely to re-sign in June. Kansas City selected Jalen Royals last year, and the team added the NFL’s best wide receivers coach, Chad O’Shea, to prepare them for the upcoming season. His job is to make Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Royals elevate their games to the level of Mahomes.
Yes, the Chiefs might be able to acquire Denzel Boston tonight, but they need an edge rusher far more than another wide receiver. I would not be shocked if they took Wood’s teammate, Edge Rusher TJ Parker, with the 40th pick.
In summary, the job on Thursday night was to find two starters Kansas City can plug and play this season. The Chiefs were masterful at pushing a narrative that didn’t exist, and now they can begin dreaming about how to use their first-round picks.
Delane shuts down one side of the field in man coverage. That will help Woods be a disruptor in the middle of the defense and will certainly help Spags re-tool his side of the ball.
Still, if you have doubts, Chiefs fans need to take notice that they drafted two high-character guys who love football and bring no baggage to the NFL.
Chiefs Draft Grades:
Pick #6: CB Monsoor Delane (A-)
Pick #29 DT Peter Woods (A+)
