KC sent No. 9, 74 and 148 overall picks to the Cleveland Browns to climb three spots and land Delane, who transferred from Virginia Tech to LSU and posted standout on-field numbers across 44 college games.
Analysts quickly criticized the price rather than Delane himself, with one prominent voice labeling the pick among the “absolute worst” first-round selections. The backlash centered on the allocation of three picks to move up, as many evaluators believed Delane could have been available at No. 9.
The reaction was tempered by broader roster decisions, including the Chiefs’ March trade of All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. The subsequent Rams extension for McDuffie, the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history at signing, underscored questions about whether KC should have invested so heavily at corner while also spending draft capital to replace him.
Analysts from Arrowhead Pride echoed the mixed sentiment, noting other needs—such as wide receiver and edge rush—still on the board when KC moved. One writer gave the deal a D grade, arguing that McDuffie’s proven production arguably justified paying for him and that Delane would need to outperform that level to justify a top-6 selection.
Delane’s credentials remain compelling: he totaled 191 tackles, eight interceptions and 27 pass deflections after a productive college career split between Virginia Tech and LSU, earning All-American honors. He told draft broadcast viewers that Kansas City kept its interest quiet to protect the process, a strategy Veach confirmed, saying the Saints were the Chiefs’ main challenger at No. 8.
Saints ultimately used the No. 8 pick to select Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson, a target many believed could have complemented KC’s offense and defense. Veach noted that the Chiefs’ stealth approach aimed to avoid tipping their hand, a contrast to the clear value some analysts saw in simply keeping McDuffie and addressing other positions later.
In sum, Delane offers elite upside at cornerback, but the trade-up has sparked debate about whether it aligns with Kansas City’s recent emphasis on finding secondary value in later rounds. The outcome will hinge on how Delane develops under Steve Spagnuolo’s defense and whether the move ultimately strengthens a Chiefs secondary that has faced scrutiny since McDuffie’s departure.
