Grading the trade: Kansas City Chiefs make stunning trade up with Cleveland Browns for a pick that nobody saw coming
The Kansas City Chiefs stunned the NFL world with a move up in the 2026 NFL Draft. The trade up with the Cleveland Browns wasn’t so stunning as much as the player they decided to draft.
The Kansas City Chiefs have officially made their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after trading up to No. 6 with the Cleveland Browns. The Browns will send pick No. 6. The Chiefs will send picks Nos. 9, 74 (Round 3), 148 (Round 5).
With the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Chiefs select Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU.
H2: Everything to know about LSU CB Mansoor Delane
Age: 22
A to Z Sports Draft Projection: Round 1, Pick 10
Career Projection: All-Pro Potential
The LSU cornerback proved strong in both zone and man coverage during his SEC career. Delane is not afraid to battle with pass catchers that have an upper hand on him in either the height or weight department. He’s a gritty player who will come and tackle in the run game. Delane was a unanimous All-American in 2025. He’s one of the most experienced defensive backs in the class and will contend on a roster as a CB1 at the NFL level.
adam holt
A to Z Sports
The Chiefs absolutely stun with a trade-up for LSU CB Mansoor Delane
This wasn’t exactly on many folks’ radar for the Kansas City Chiefs. They have plenty of needs in the secondary after shipping off Trent McDuffie and watching Jaylen Watson walk in free agency. However, other spots appeared to be much larger positions of need. The Chiefs and Brett Veach clearly did not feel that way.
Listed at 5-foot-11 and 198 pounds, Delane has inside/outside versatility. He’s someone who can definitely shadow No. 1 wide receivers at the next level. During the 2025 college season, Delane recorded 29 tackles, one QB pressure, 11 passes defended, and two interceptions. He’s a true shutdown corner as Delane allowed just 10 completions all season for 119 yards on the season. This will help the Chiefs shore up the defensive secondary, but questions remain that must be addressed across the entire roster. They now have two fewer picks to address those issues.
Asked about the Chiefs’ decision to draft him, Delane shared this.
“Really, just the way I play the game, the confidence they have in me,” Delane said to Laura Rutledge. “They weren’t on me much in this process… but they wanted to make the sneak move.”
At the very least, you’ve got to respect the process for Kansas City. They kept it quiet and went up the board to make sure they secured the player they believe can be a difference-maker. It’ll be up to the coaching staff and Delane to prove he’s worth it.
Grade: B-
