The Kansas City Chiefs made a major trade at the start of the NFL Draft, where they acquired the 6th overall pick from the Cleveland Browns, in exchange for the 9th overall pick, a third-round pick, and a 5th round pick.
Kansas City Chiefs 2026 NFL Draft Grades
First Round (6th Overall): Mansoor Delane, CB
Mansoor Delane is an explosive corner who reads the game well. The Chiefs traded former All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. They needed to address the position in a big way. Delane can have a major impact on the Chiefs’ secondary that could face struggles without their star corner. The Chiefs had to part ways with their third and fifth parts along in the deal, which they viewed as expendable, considering the squad is already strong, and will have a healthy Patrick Mahomes next season. There will be questions as to if it was necessary to move up to draft Delane, but the Chiefs wanted to be sure they got their man, valuing quality over quantity.
Draft Grade: A-
First Round (29th Overall): Peter Woods, DT
Peter Woods is a big, strong defensive tackle who could be exactly what the Chiefs need. At 6’3 315 lbs., he could resemble and even play alongside All-Pro Chris Jones. Woods was projected to be a late first-round pick, so the Chiefs didn’t reach by taking him. He can play in one and two-gap schemes really well, which provides flexibility in different defensive schemes. It also doesn’t hurt to learn behind one of the best Defensive tackles the games ever seen in Chris Jones. Could they have prioritized 1st round projected wide receiver? Perhaps, but they select a solid defensive tackle instead, who will fit nicely in their system.
Draft Grade: B+
Second Round (40th Overall): R Mason Thomas, DE
R Mason Thomas is a powerful edge rusher who was praised by scouts for his release off the line. He was first team All-SEC in his final college season, where he put up 9.5 tackles for losses and 6.5 sacks, while missing three games. Thomas is slightly undersized for the position at 6’2, 240 Ibs, but makes up for it with his speed, as it allows him to move under linemen. The Chiefs were looking to address their pass rush this draft, and have picked up a solid player, who has injury concerns, but if he can stay healthy, he could be a major player in this defence.
Draft Grade: A-
Fourth Round (109th Overall): Jadon Canady, CB
The Chiefs weren’t done when they took Delane in the first round, and wanted to add more depth to their secondary. Which is what they have done here with Jadon Canady. He has quick feet and can read short routes effectively. He had 13 starts at nickel in 15 games and proved to be a valuable slot corner for Oregon. He does have shorter arms and a smaller frame, which could be seen as a downside, but his ability to read the game makes up for it. Canady’s size could be a problem for him, but it doesn’t feel like a waste as a mid-draft pick.
Draft Grade: B-
Fifth Round (161st Overall): Emmett Johnson, RB
This pick was acquired from the Steelers. The Chiefs are always looking to add to their running back room, so why not add a high-volume back like Emmett Johnson, who led the FBS with 151.8 all-purpose yards per game and was ranked 4th with 1451 rushing yards. Johnson is elusive and can make downhill cuts at top speed. He lacks a bit of size and strength and has average speed. But there are more positives than negatives here, and he could crack the roster.
Draft Grade: B+
Fifth Round (176th Overall): Cyrus Allen, WR
Cyrus Allen is a late pick that could have a high upside. He has an explosive release off the line. He performed well in one-on-one situations at the Senior Bowl, and after the catch, he transitions quickly upfield, using his agility and elusiveness to evade defenders. His acceleration creates separation, but his overall route running needs improvement. It’s going to be tough to make noise in a somewhat crowded Chiefs wide receiver room, but he can become a solid player with the right development.
Draft Grade: B
Seventh Round (249th Overall): Garrett Nussmeier, QB
The one thing that many scouts have said about Garrett Nussmeier is that he has serious arm talent. Though obstacles like injuries and being undersized have dropped his draft stock. Nussmeier started 9 games last season, where he put up 1927 yards, 12 TDs, and 5 interceptions. He’s a good pocket passer and can make tight window throws. The touchdown-to-interception ratio isn’t great, but it can be improved. Under the coaching of Andy Reid and learning from Patrick Mahomes, he has all the resources available to him to develop into a solid quarterback. Will he actually get to show it will be the real question, considering Justin Fields is shaping up to bet he week one starter, and then eventual backup.
Draft Grade: C+
