KANSAS CITY -- The 2026 NFL draft wrapped up Saturday after three days in Pittsburgh.
With their first pick, the Kansas City Chiefs selected LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane with the No. 6 selection.
Here's a look at the Chiefs' selections and what you need to know about them:
Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart
Round 1, No. 6: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
My take: The Chiefs are confident Delane can be a star defender, the player expected to replace All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie, who was traded seven weeks ago to the Los Angeles Rams. He'll have to perform quickly to meet such expectations, especially since the Chiefs moved from the ninth pick to No. 6. If anyone can develop a young defensive back, it's longtime coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who has helped plenty of players -- McDuffie, cornerbacks Jaylen Watson, L'Jarius Sneed and safeties Bryan Cook and Juan Thornhill -- improve during their rookie contracts.
Key stat for this player: Last season, Delane surrendered a completion percentage of just 27.8, which was the third best in FBS. This is one reason the Chiefs believe he can be an excellent coverage cornerback, whether in man-to-man or zone responsibilities. When the ball did arrive in his area last season, Delane contested 67% of his targets -- meaning he was within arms' reach of the ball -- to be tied for the second highest in SEC. As a rookie, Delane will be asked by Spagnuolo to disrupt some of the league's top receivers.
What we're hearing about Delane: Similar to star cornerbacks in the past, Delane has plenty of confidence. He appreciated the Chiefs being willing to move up to acquire him. Delane, 22, is an older prospect than the Chiefs usually take in the first round, but he is a mature prospect who should be ready to be a starter on opening night of the 2026 season. "They wanted to keep it quiet," Delane said of the Chiefs on the draft stage. "They made the best move in the draft."
Round 1, No. 29: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
My take: The Chiefs were wise to make this move, especially when they didn't have a reliable option in the rotation for the interior of their defensive line. Many analysts believe Woods can improve throughout his rookie contract, and the Chiefs appear to agree. With star lineman Chris Jones at age 32, Woods should find a willing mentor in the Chiefs' best defensive player. Woods should see plenty of playing time early during his rookie season, which is one reason we chose him for this spot in our NFL Nation mock draft.
Will he start as a rookie? The short answer is no. The Chiefs don't need Woods to be an immediate starter, especially with Jones and Khyiris Tonga atop the depth chart. A successful rookie campaign for Woods will be if he can improve throughout the season and become a reliable contributor within the rotation, which should allow Jones not to have to be on the field all the time. The Chiefs hope Woods will help the defense be more effective rushing the quarterback on third down. Woods should have the athleticism to win one-on-one matchups alongside Jones, who often sees a double-team on third-and-long snaps.
Key stat: Just like in 2022, when the Chiefs had two first-round picks, Thursday night was just the second in the franchise's history that the team selected multiple defenders in the opening round, according to ESPN Research. In both cases, the Chiefs drafted a cornerback and then followed by selecting a defensive lineman. In 2022, those players were Trent McDuffie and Karlaftis; the duo helped the Chiefs win two consecutive Super Bowls. This year, Veach followed a similar path with Delane and Woods, as both prospects should play significant snaps as rookies.
Round 2, No. 40: R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma
My take: An edge rusher, Thomas is quite a gamble, given he is undersized, listed at 6-foot-2 and 241 pounds. The Chiefs are hoping Thomas' quick first step can translate to the NFL to generate a consistent pass rush from the edge. The best-case scenario is that Thomas' best play is ahead of him. Lingering issues for Thomas include a series of injuries in college -- a hamstring, both ankles and a quad. As a rookie, Thomas will likely see rotation snaps alongside Ashton Gillotte and Felix Anudike-Uzomah.
Key stats: As a second-team All-American, Thomas collected nine sacks in just 10 games last season, beating linemen with quickness and strength. In selecting Thomas, the Chiefs have used their first three picks on defensive players for the first time since 2018. Kansas City is optimistic Thomas' relentless motor to get to the quarterback will be a staple throughout his pro career.
Check out some of the top highlights from Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas.
Round 5, No. 161: Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
My take: This is a fun selection for the Chiefs, who were looking to add a skill position performer for the offense. Johnson has plenty of burst and showed quality dynamic ability last season, recording 15 total touchdowns and 1,821 all-purpose yards.
The early role for Johnson might be as a third-down back, considering he collected 85 receptions in the past two years. Perhaps coach Andy Reid can call a screen play or two for him early in the season. Earlier this offseason, Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy hired DeMarco Murray as the new running backs coach. Johnson will be the first player Murray can develop.
Round 4, No. 109: Jadon Canady, S, Oregon
My take: The Chiefs continued to revamp their defense with the fourth such selection in their top four picks. Canady is a perfect candidate to compete for the starting nickel role in the secondary for Spagnuolo. Canady, who has ball skills, demonstrated throughout his college career that he can be a quality cover man in the middle of the field who is more than willing to make an impressive tackle, too.
Round 5, No. 176: Cyrus Allen, WR, Cincinnati
My take: Known for his energy and production in the middle of the field, Allen will be expected to compete to make the Chiefs' roster as a slot guy and on special teams. After a disappointing season in 2024 at Texas A&M, Allen had his best season as a senior at Cincinnati, recording 13 receiving touchdowns for the school's single-season record.
The Chiefs will be banking on Allen being a capable option as a returner.
When healthy, Nussmeier does have quality talent.
Round 7, No. 245: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
My take: When healthy, Nussmeier has quality talent, which intrigued the Chiefs enough to take him to potentially be Patrick Mahomes' backup of the future. For this upcoming season, Mahomes' backup will be five-year veteran Justin Fields. But Fields is under contract for only one season, which could give Nussmeier plenty of time to develop into a competent backup for the 2027 season.
At LSU, Nussmeier had memorable moments. His strong arm makes him capable of one day operating a pro-style offense.