The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs coordinators spoke to native media on Wednesday afternoon, which gave us our first alternative to listen to Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s ideas on his two latest additions to the protection, a pair of first-round draft picks, cornerback Mansoor Delane and defensive deal with Peter Woods.
Talking about Delane first, Spagnuolo mentioned that it was fairly clear to the Chiefs’ employees and scouts that the sixth-overall decide within the draft was one of the best cornerback within the draft.
“He jumped out on tape,” mentioned Spagnuolo brightly. “I think he could have come out after his last year at [Virginia Tech]… the information we gathered was that he wanted to be challenged a little bit more, so you go to LSU. I think that speaks volumes about a guy.”
The concept that Delane was not happy with ACC competitors, selecting to switch to varsity soccer’s prime convention, was strengthened by Delane himself in a video the workforce posted on its YouTube web page two weeks in the past.
Delane purposely selected the more durable path to the NFL. He wished to check and show he was one of the best, and now he has landed with a defensive coordinator whose philosophy in growing younger gamers is to make them uncomfortable and see how they deal with it.
“We did feed overload in these three phases that we are in,” Spagnuolo shared. “A lot of guys are swimming that are new. At some point, we’ll cut back… the thought process is at some point we’ll want to use the volume, [and] pluck from it, at least they will have been exposed to it a little bit. And if you’re going to make mistakes, I’d rather make them now.”
KANSAS CITY, MO – MAY 28: Defensive deal with Khyiris Tonga #92 of the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs throughout the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs OTA’s on Might 28, 2026 on the Chiefs Coaching Facility in Kansas Metropolis, MO. (Picture by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photographs) Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photographs
And that is the place Peter Woods is available in, Spagnuolo mentioned that he has been “Really, really impressed” with how locked in Woods has been this offseason.
“Not only what he does on the field, but the way he carries himself in the hallways,” Spagnuolo famous. “I think I’ve said this to you guys before, when you stand up in front of them in a unit meeting. You can see all of the faces, and you know whether they are in tune—I mean, he’s like focused. And that’s a good thing… He seems like he’s got football ‘get it.’”
And that “get it” is what Spagnuolo is on the lookout for in his gamers. Expertise would possibly get you drafted, however soccer IQ and work ethic are what’re going to make you profitable.
A trademark of Spags’ protection has lengthy been constructed on guys who can course of data, play good, and execute underneath strain. That’s why Delane’s choice to take the street much less traveled, and Woods obsessive focus in conferences are standing out to the long-time coach.
We’ve definitely seen Spagnuolo’s philosophy repay up to now, as he has constantly relied on gamers who know the scheme and may step up and make performs within the largest moments.
Like when linebacker Nick Bolton returned a fumble for a landing in Tremendous Bowl LVII.
Or Trent McDuffie’s clutch blocked move in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers late in Tremendous Bowl LVIII.
In Kansas Metropolis, and for Spagnuolo, expertise will get you drafted, however work ethic and intelligence are what offer you an opportunity to become one thing particular.
