Mansoor Delane Admits to Rooting Against Chiefs Before They Drafted Him
Mansoor Delane, a former LSU cornerback, was drafted sixth overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2026 NFL Draft after they traded up with the Cleveland Browns. Delane admitted he grew up rooting for the Raiders but now fully embraces being a Chief, especially after the team lost key cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to the Los Angeles Rams. Chiefs GM Brett Veach praised Delane's skills in coverage and tackling, highlighting his potential to fill a critical need in the secondary.
- ▪Mansoor Delane was selected sixth overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2026 NFL Draft after they traded up from No. 9.
- ▪Delane revealed he was a Raiders fan growing up but is no longer, acknowledging the Chiefs' dominance over his former favorite team.
- ▪The Chiefs lost both Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to the Rams, creating an urgent need at cornerback that Delane is expected to help fill.
- ▪Delane allowed zero touchdowns and zero penalties last season at LSU, earning unanimous All-American honors.
- ▪Chiefs GM Brett Veach stated they viewed Delane as a top-five talent and moved up to ensure they drafted him before the Saints could at No. 8.
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By Megan ArmstrongShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.The Kansas City Chiefs traded up from the No. 9 to No. 6 overall pick to select former LSU star cornerback Mansoor Delane in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft last Thursday.It goes without saying that becoming a Chief changed Delane's life, but it also drastically changed his NFL fandom."I grew up a Raiders fan," Delane told Kansas City media ahead of the Chiefs' rookie minicamp on Friday. He (wisely) quickly quipped, "Not a Raiders fan anymore.""Obviously, those were some battles," Delane continued. "We always could never get past the Chiefs.
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