The Kansas City Chiefs’ latest rookie gamble just got a glowing endorsement from an unlikely source
One Kansas City Chiefs rookie got a glowing endorsement from a former NFL All-Pro.
If anyone knows about good cornerback play in the NFL, it’s probably a good wide receiver. The Kansas City Chiefs are currently in the midst of a major transition at cornerback — and one of the new faces just got a major vote of confidence. The most flattering part? It came from a former star receiver.
Chiefs rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane’s first season in Kansas City had a lot riding on it — but former All-Pro wide receiver Chad Johnson is buying stock.
Former NFL All-Pro Chad Johnson’s glowing review for Kansas City Chiefs rookie Mansoor Delane
The layers of high stakes awaiting Kansas City and Delane in 2026 run deep. The team ttraded up to get him in the top 10 of the 2026 NFL Draft, doing so in the same offseason they moved on from Trent McDuffie. It marks the latest example of the Chiefs moving on from an established star in favor of draft picks to keep their long-term forecast looking healthier and their books balanced.
They did it with Tyreek Hill — and the team was able to win championships without him. Granted, the offense gradually fell off to the unit that’s been a point of frustration over the past few years. But the transition from Hill should generally be considered a success given the hardware. Now, the Chiefs have done it again with McDuffie. The hope is that this transition will also bear team success, but with better positional results, too.
Take some solace in knowing that Johnson believes that Delane isn’t just a good corner. “Makes your job easier as a coach” is a hell of a compliment for a rookie. And, for the record, I agree with Johnson. Delane’s polish and instincts made him a complete player in the pre-draft process. And I suspect that his addition to the new-look secondary will be a rousing success. Not that Spags needs any extra help to make his job easier — but I digress.
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