The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Apr. 24 that they have selected former Louisiana State University cornerback Mansoor Delane with the sixth overall pick in the 2026 National Football League Draft.
Delane’s selection is significant for the Chiefs’ secondary, as he brings a strong collegiate record and versatility to the team. His performance at LSU last season earned him unanimous All-American honors, highlighted by 13 passes defensed, two interceptions, and only 14 catches allowed on 357 coverage snaps. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the second-best coverage cornerback among players with at least 350 coverage snaps.
Despite battling a core muscle injury during his final college season, Delane did not allow any touchdowns or commit any penalties throughout the year. Among cornerbacks meeting similar snap criteria, he was one of just eighteen not to allow a touchdown and one of only two to avoid penalties entirely.
Over his four-year college career—three years at Virginia Tech before transferring to LSU—Delane started forty games and logged more than 2,400 snaps. He played primarily as an outside cornerback but said he is comfortable playing inside if needed: “[I’m] super comfortable [in the slot]. I love playing inside – I think that’s almost even more fun,” Delane said. “You’re closer to the ball, you’re in more runs fits and you can blitz more. I think the more responsibly, the more fun it is. I’m excited.”
Delane grew up near Washington D.C., attending Landon School and Archbishop Spalding in Maryland before moving on to college football at Maryland and then LSU.
With this draft choice, observers will be watching how Delane adapts to professional play and what impact he may have on Kansas City’s defense.
