Chiefs make huge trade up in 2026 NFL Draft for Mansoor Delane

The Chiefs traded up to get their guy in the first major trade of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Kansas City acquired the No. 6 overall pick from the Browns on Thursday to draft LSUcornerback Mansoor Delane.

In exchange for the draft pick, the Chiefs sent the Nos. 9, 74, and 148 picks to Cleveland, with the Browns drafting Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano with the No. 9 selection.

LSU defensive back Mansoor Delane, right, poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen by the Kansas City Chiefs with the sixth overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. AP

“Really just the way I play the game and the confidence they have in me,” Delane said on the broadcast of why the Chiefs traded up to draft him. “They weren’t really on me too much during this process but they said they just wanted to keep quiet and make that sneak move and they made the best move in the draft, so I’m excited.”

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Delane proved to be one of the best cornerbacks in his class following a stellar senior season at LSU, giving up just 14 catches on 35 targets, and was named an All-American for his efforts.

The 22-year-old spent his first three collegiate seasons with Virginia Tech before transferring to the Tigers ahead of his senior year.

“Man, don’t stop now, don’t stop now,” Delane said of what he would say to his younger self. “You got what you dreamed of. Let’s make a mark on this league.”

LSU defensive back Mansoor Delane celebrates after being chosen by the Kansas City Chiefs with the sixth overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. AP

This move fills a hole for Kansas City after they traded All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Rams in March in exchange for four draft selections.

Less than a week after trading for the Pro Bowler, the Rams and McDuffie reached a contract extension which will make him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.

The four-year deal is worth $124 million and includes $100 million guaranteed.