Patrick Mahomes Hyped After Chiefs Trade Up to No. 6 to Bring in Trent McDuffie’s Replacement

Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs made it clear they were retooling their roster and were not engaging in a full-blown rebuild.

Patrick Mahomes Hyped After Chiefs Trade Up to No. 6 to Bring in Trent McDuffie’s Replacement

Patrick Mahomes and newest Chiefs CB Mansoor Delane (Image via NFL Stats/Sleeper NFL/X)

In Short
  • Patrick Mahomes expressed excitement on social media after the Chiefs traded up to the No. 6 pick.
  • The Chiefs selected cornerback Mansoor Delane from LSU to replace Trent McDuffie.
  • Analysts believe Delane's skills will significantly strengthen the Chiefs' defense.

After Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL, many felt that it was the final nail in the coffin of this edition of the Kansas City Chiefs’ dynasty that won three Super Bowls.

The logic behind that opinion was that the superstar quarterback would likely miss the first half of the season, which makes it difficult for them to even consider reaching the playoffs.

On top of that, the future of star tight end Travis Kelce was also hanging in the balance, as many felt he would be facing another wasteful year with his signal caller out for the most part.

But he has returned, and his quarterback is on pace to return earlier than expected. The Chiefs even traded for Justin Fields to back Mahomes until he can lace up, and they even started to make moves that would free up cap space for potential free agents.

Since most of their focus was on the offensive side of the ball, many were concerned that the Chiefs may not be doing enough on the defensive side, especially after trading Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams.

Let’s get it!

Patrick Mahomes wrote on X

The superstar signal caller added a muscle emoticon towards the end of his tweet to imply how excited he was with his team’s 2026 draft selection. The Kansas City Chiefs had traded with the Cleveland Browns to move up to the No. 6 spot.

With that pick, they selected Mansoor Delane. The LSU star effectively slots into the very space left by McDuffie. That in itself is a major win for a franchise that needs impactful players immediately.

Robert Griffin III applauds Chiefs selecting Mansoor Delane

With several impactful players available, this Draft is loaded on the defensive side of the ball. Had the Kansas City Chiefs not traded up with the Browns and selected one of the available cornerbacks, no one would have questioned their decision.

Mansoor Delane was the best cornerback in the draft
Mansoor Delane was the best cornerback in the draft (Image via Nick Harris/X)

After all, other than Mansoor Delane, the Chiefs also had the option of selecting top safety Caleb Downs and moving or drafting someone else to cornerback, or even drafting a wide receiver to help Patrick Mahomes.

The Chiefs just got an INSTINCTIVE SHUTDOWN CORNER in Mansoor Delane out of LSU. His 4.38 40 erased all speed questions, and he reads routes like Google Maps. His fluid hips allow him to constantly be on the attack. O TDs allowed in SEC play, 11 PBUs, and 2 ints. He will lock down one side of the field.

Robert Griffin III wrote on X

The former Heisman Trophy winner believes that the Chiefs have effectively selected the best defensive back in the draft and will reap the benefits of their decision.

If Mansoor Delane can shut down one half of the field as Robert Griffin III and the Chiefs’ top brass believe him to be able to do, that defense will not miss Trent McDuffie one bit.

Mansoor Delane believes Chiefs made the best draft day trade

Even though the selection might not come as a shock, it was evident that the Kansas City Chiefs needed a lockdown corner after trading away Trent McDuffie. To trade up and select Delane was something no one saw coming. But not the 22-year-old defensive back.

The way I play the game, the confidence they have in me… They said they wanted to keep it quiet and make that sneak move. They made the best move in the Draft, so I am excited.

Mansoor Delane told Laura Rutledge

This means the Maryland native was likely aware that the Chiefs were going to move up. Even though GM Brett Veach proclaimed that this year’s draft could see a lot of trades, not many may have thought that they would kick things off with a bang.

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