Chiefs draft rumors take a turn after NFL free agency news
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Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach.
The Kansas City Chiefs shocked the NFL world with their Trent McDuffie trade news just before free agency, and the fallout of the decision is expected to impact draft plans.
Before McDuffie was traded, most draft experts had KC selecting a wide receiver, edge rusher or, specifically, running back Jeremiyah Love in round one. Now, following a free agency period that added two running backs (Kenneth Walker III and Emari Demercado) and lost multiple members of the secondary (Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, and Bryan Cook), there’s been a dramatic shift in positional need.
Theoretically, the Chiefs could still target a wide receiver or an edge rusher, but the greatest team need is now cornerback. And safety may have been bumped up the list, too.
Armed with two first-round picks after the McDuffie deal, Pro Football Sports Network analyst Alec Elijah believes Kansas City could focus on overhauling the secondary in round one.
During a new draft prediction on March 14, Elijah sent LSU star cornerback Mansoor Delane to the Chiefs at No. 9 overall. Then, with the Los Angeles Rams’ former pick (No. 29 overall), he predicted versatile Toledo safety/DB Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.
The 180 move would totally disregard KC’s perceived needs before NFL free agency, instead focusing on replenishing the secondary with young talent as the Chiefs did in 2022.
LSU CB Mansoor Delane Labeled ‘Potential Long-Term Cornerstone’ for Chiefs in NFL Draft
LSU's Mansoor Delane highlighted as Chiefs draft fit after NFL free agency news
GettyLSU cornerback Mansoor Delane could be a strong fit for the Kansas City Chiefs on draft night.
Many believe Delane could be the first cornerback off the board in late April this year. And that’s where Elijah has him going in his new PFSN mock draft.
“Losing several defensive backs in free agency, the Kansas City Chiefs could look to reload their secondary through the draft,” Elijah reasoned.
Continuing: “One strong option would be selecting LSU’s Mansoor Delane with the No. 9 pick. Delane earned the highest PFSN CFB CB Impact score in the class at 96.8, highlighting his production and influence in coverage.”
“What makes him stand out is his fluid movement and sharp instincts in the secondary,” the analyst went on. “Delane transitions smoothly out of his backpedal, changes direction quickly, and reacts to routes with impressive anticipation.”
He concluded that Delane’s “disciplined aggression allows him to stay in phase with receivers and consistently make plays on the football, giving Kansas City a potential long-term cornerstone in the secondary.”
Why NFL Free Agency News Could Lead to Chiefs Doubling Down on Secondary
Cornerback jumped straight to the top of the Chiefs’ list of draft needs, but the safety need is more up for debate.
Kansas City general manager Brett Veach could spend the later first on a position like wide receiver, defensive end, offensive tackle, or defensive tackle. However, there is an argument for doubling down on defensive backs.
The 2026 draft class is deep at both edge/defensive end and wide receiver, so waiting on these two positions makes some sense. Elijah has the Chiefs spending a high second-rounder on Missouri edge rusher Zion Young, for example.
Later, in round three, the PFSN analyst has KC selecting USC wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane.
The Chiefs have also prepped for the Jawaan Taylor cut on the offensive line, bringing in Jaylon Moore, Josh Simmons, and Esa Pole last year. Meanwhile, defensive tackle feels like less of a need with Omarr Norman-Lott returning from injury and veteran Khyiris Tonga joining the franchise in free agency.
Of course, Kansas City did add veteran safety Alohi Gilman last week, but McNeil-Warren could become DC Steve Spagnuolo’s new Swiss army knife, similar to McDuffie and L’Jarius Sneed in years past.
“McNeil-Warren stands out immediately due to his impressive physical profile,” Elijah wrote during his draft prediction. “At over 6-foot-3 with a wingspan exceeding 32 inches, he combines elite length with strong athletic traits, including quick foot speed, lateral burst, and fluid movement in coverage.
“For the Chiefs, McNeil-Warren’s versatility could make him a valuable addition right away. His size and athleticism give Kansas City a defender capable of developing into a potential long-term option in the secondary.”
Veach and Spagnuolo love drafting talented DBs. A coordinated first-round plan of Delane and McNeil-Warren would do just that, making it a definite possibility after free agency.