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The Kansas City Chiefs prioritized their defense in the 2026 NFL Draft, using their first three selections on defensive players. General manager Brett Veach aimed to rejuvenate the unit and set the stage for a new era of defenders.
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane headlined the class as the franchise's highest-drafted cornerback ever. Although a shoulder injury has nagged him since June minicamp, Delane has been effective when available, displaying promising traits.
In Week 6's Sunday Night Football loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Delane encountered typical rookie challenges while covering star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. While he didn't shadow Smith-Njigba on every snap and held his own at times, the matchup marked the toughest test of his young career. Smith-Njigba finished with 150 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Despite that outing, fellow first-round pick Peter Woods, taken 23 picks later at No. 29, remains unwavering in his support for Delane. Speaking to the media on Friday, the defensive lineman explained why he believes in his teammate and what the duo can achieve as they grow together.
"I'm always there for him. He's a tremendous player," Woods said. "I trust him with the backside of me because that's what he does. I'm ready to see him continue to blossom and bloom into the player he's going to be, as well as myself. We're doing that together since we came in together."
Woods' own rookie campaign has been relatively quiet through six games. The Clemson product has played 46.3% of defensive snaps, rotating with Khyiris Tonga on the interior, but has produced modest numbers: three solo tackles, two quarterback pressures, and half a sack over 190 defensive reps.
Judging interior linemen by statistics in a small sample is difficult, and Pro Football Focus grades reflect that. Woods' 50.8 defensive grade ranks 96th among 126 qualifying defensive tackles, and his 43.4 run-defense grade is among the league's lowest.
Even with early struggles, Woods has veterans like Chris Jones to learn from. He described how the defensive line responded after his first NFL loss.
"It was rather interesting being in the locker room and listening to some of the things the leaders were reiterating about getting back on track and getting hit in the mouth and figuring out what we can do to be better," Woods stated. "I think one of the older guys gave me advice that whenever you lose a game, that's when you should look in your personal mirror most and figure out how you can benefit the team to get a win."
Regardless of the narrative, Woods has been a defensive fixture for the 5-1 Chiefs at just 21 years old. As he and Delane gain experience and improve, they could become formidable forces for years to come.
Key Analysis
Woods' faith in Delane highlights the bond between the Chiefs' rookie defenders and their potential to grow together. While both have faced early challenges, their development could shape Kansas City's defense for the future.