San Diego, California – November 22: Chris Johnson #1 of San Diego State acknowledges the group throughout their sport at Snapdragon Stadium towards San Jose State on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune by way of Getty Photos)
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Chiefs’ Backup Plan if They Missed out on Mansoor Delane Revealed | Heavy Sports activities
Sports activities Illustrated’s Albert Breer revealed throughout his draft takeaways that the Chiefs knew they must commerce as much as safe Delane. Nonetheless, in the event that they had been unable to discover a commerce accomplice, the Chiefs would have made a selection between Tyson or Downs.
“As the draft drew closer, and the Chiefs gamed it out, they figured if they stayed at No. 9, and they lost out Delane, they’d wind up with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs or Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson. Then, they’d probably have to move up to land San Diego State CB Chris Johnson—and give up a third- or fourth-rounder to do it. So, the logic followed, why not just give up the third-rounder and get the guy they liked more?”
It’s robust to say who they might have chosen between Tyson or Downs, however on this author’s opinion, it might have been Downs. Expertise-wise, Tyson may very well be the very best receiver to come back out of this 12 months’s draft, however his lengthy damage historical past made him a threat. Downs was arguably essentially the most can’t-miss general prospect, and would have been the final word chess piece for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
4 issues I believe after the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs’ 2026 NFL Draft | The Athletic
Types falling created a tough situation for Ok.C. The Chiefs needed to determine — earlier than the draft — that the Commanders can be selecting between Delane, Tate, Ohio State security Caleb Downs and Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson. If Washington picked Tate as anticipated, then New Orleans can be deciding between Tyson, Delane and Downs; in that situation, maybe Delane would have been extra prone to fall to the Chiefs.
Tate going early — and taking a candidate off the board for Washington and New Orleans — meant Delane was extra prone to rise to the highest of each groups’ draft boards.
And that’s why Veach made this touch upon Thursday: “Once Tate left, it solidified our decision to go up there.”
It’s additionally value stating that Ok.C.’s draft technique was affected by an damage replace about Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy. Although McCoy was projected to be an early-to-mid first-round decide for a lot of the final 12 months, his inventory plummeted late after reviews emerged that his knee may very well be a long-term situation.
If Delane and McCoy had been wholesome and obtainable, the Chiefs would’ve had extra wiggle room to stay affected person at 9 whereas feeling like they may get a prime nook both method. Because it turned out, the Chiefs didn’t take any possibilities, believing it was value the additional picks to safe Delane.
Largest 2026 NFL postdraft questions for all 32 groups | ESPN
How rapidly can the Chiefs’ 4 defensive draft picks make an impression?
The Chiefs’ prime 4 alternatives had been all defenders. We all know cornerback Mansoor Delane will probably begin instead of Trent McDuffie. However the trio alongside Delane — defensive deal with Peter Woods, defensive finish R Mason Thomas and security Jadon Canady — ought to have alternatives to be rotational contributors. How nicely they do will probably decide how a lot of an enchancment the Chiefs’ protection makes in 2026. — Nate Taylor
NFL Energy Rankings: Chiefs rising after 2026 draft; 49ers maintain reaching on picks | NFL.com
Rank: 8 (Up 6)Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
Look, individuals will query this main leap, identical to people did after I preemptively boosted the Ravens in the final version of the Energy Rankings. A few of that is the worth of Patrick Mahomes’ return being factored in, and the earlier we get to him retaking the sphere, the higher the Chiefs are. It’s simply that straightforward. I can in all probability nitpick a few of what Kansas Metropolis did within the draft, however I really feel fairly good about its first three picks contributing early. CB Mansoor Delane made sense and doubtless will begin. DT Peter Woods and edge R Mason Thomas will probably be within the pass-rush rotation quickly, too. The Chiefs didn’t draft an offensive deal with, and so they waited till late to take a receiver. This was all in regards to the protection getting higher, and I’m OK with the method.
Cowboys add WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling amid uncertainty on George Pickens | USA At present
The Dallas Cowboys are including a bit of extra assist in their receiving amid uncertainty about George Pickens’ standing.
On Monday, April 27, the Cowboys agreed to a one-year cope with Marquez Valdes-Scantling, in response to a number of reviews.
Valdez-Scantling, 31, recorded profession lows of 14 catches for 120 yards final season, enjoying 5 video games apiece for the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2024, nevertheless, he flexed his field-stretching capability by averaging 21.6 yards per catch.
The veteran figures to be a depth piece for a receiving corps missing readability on considered one of its most potent weapons.
Across the NFL
Payments hit ‘reset button’ with Keon Coleman, say finest but to come back | ESPN
Payments president of soccer operations and basic supervisor Brandon Beane has continued his public help of huge receiver Keon Coleman within the days following the 2026 NFL draft, telling native radio station WGR-550 on Monday that Buffalo shut down a few groups that reached out with commerce curiosity in Coleman earlier this offseason.
“We had some people connect with us in Indy, at least one team there, and a couple between there and the owners meetings. But we shut those down,” Beane mentioned. “Our intention is for Keon to be right here, and so I believe the phrase was form of out. So, no calls this weekend.
“… We’ve hit the reset button with him, and hopefully the fan base and everyone’s behind him. I think his best year is yet to come here in 2026.”
The thirty third decide within the 2024 NFL draft has been current for the group’s voluntary work this offseason. Beane and coach Joe Brady, who was Coleman’s offensive coordinator the previous two seasons, have spoken extremely of his work this month and have been constant of their messaging of help for the receiver.
“Keon, it’s not lip service,” Beane mentioned Friday whereas discussing the huge receiver group. “We’re excited about Keon, and he’s, the first few weeks here, it’s been very, very positive. And I think you guys will see that in time, and proud of what he’s done.”
Cam Jordan: Saints haven’t introduced in anybody who produced like I did | Professional Soccer Speak
The Saints traded for Tyree Wilson through the draft and signed Anfernee Jennings on Sunday, which gave them two extra items on the defensive entrance and will depart little room for Jordan to return for a sixteenth season. Jordan mentioned on Sunday that he’d like issues to work out and doesn’t suppose the group has changed him, however understands that he might have reached the top of the street with the Saints.
“I don’t know,” Jordan mentioned, by way of Matthew Paras of the New Orleans Occasions-Picayune. “There’s nobody who produced the way I did last year, so. My talent speaks for itself. And if things work out, phenomenal. I’ve always said I understand the business side to it, so I’ve never worried about it.”
The top of the draft offers all 32 groups a greater thought of the place issues stand on the roster entrance, so Jordan might discover doorways open elsewhere if those in New Orleans have truly closed.
Corridor of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor hospitalized with stomach-related situation | NFL.com
New York Giants Corridor of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor has been hospitalized for a stomach-related situation {that a} consultant of his mentioned doesn’t look like life-threatening.
In a press release launched Monday, legal professional Mark Eiglarsh mentioned Taylor approved him to let the general public know that the 67-year-old has been within the hospital for per week with no discharge date decided. Eiglarsh mentioned Taylor stays below medical remark and is displaying indicators of enchancment.
“Lawrence asks that I convey his sincere gratitude to everyone who has been thinking of him and keeping him in their prayers during this challenging time,” Eiglarsh mentioned.
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Chiefs had been ‘super high’ on Emmett Johnson: ‘We were shocked he fell’
“We went through the running backs, and Emmett was one of the top guys we watched,” Nutt remembered. “We loved him. Brett was super high on this kid; we all were really high on this kid.”
Johnson was graded as excessive as a third-round decide by some draft analysts, displaying expertise that was clear to Nutt and the workers in Kansas Metropolis.
“He’s a juke button, he has very good feet, vision, feel, and he’s very good out of the backfield,” Nutt described. “I think the Combine 40, I think he ran like a 4.56 or something, that might’ve scared people away, but then he ran a 4.49 at his Pro Day. Then he ran like a 4.49 or 4.50… so he showed on two reps that he can match the same speed.”
“I don’t know why he fell,” Nutt admitted. “We were shocked he fell, and that’s why we took him in the fifth round, and that’s why Brett traded up to get him. Because of the conviction we had in the talent, and we because we knew that was probably lower than he should’ve went, but we’re happy to have the kid for sure.”
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Chiefs VP of participant personnel Ryne Nutt says KC cherished Mansoor Delane's versatility. "I don't mean just he can play inside and outside. I mean he can play off-man, press-man, zone, all those to a very good ability. …it just makes it easier on a def. coordinator and on a scheme."
— Jesse Newell (@jessenewell) April 27, 2026
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