How Brett Veach and the Chiefs Are Drafting Their Way Back to Super Bowl Contention

Jason Dayee
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center.

The Kansas City Chiefs experienced an unfamiliar feeling last season. Finishing the year with a disappointing 6-11 record and missing the playoffs completely forced general manager Brett Veach and the front office to take a hard look at a roster that had seemingly lost its championship edge. The response? A bold, defense focused approach on the opening night of the 2026 NFL Draft. By trading up to select LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane at No. 6 overall and using acquired draft capital to grab Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods at No. 29, Kansas City laid the groundwork for a return to Super Bowl contention.

Rebuilding the Defense After a Disappointing Season

For a franchise accustomed to deep postseason runs, the 2025 campaign was a massive wake up call. The Chiefs were clearly missing the spark that defined their championship eras. The defensive secondary, in particular, was severely depleted and in need of an overhaul. Earlier this offseason, Kansas City made the difficult decision to trade star cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. They also watched key contributors like Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams depart in free agency.

Veach entered Thursday night with the No. 9 overall pick, which was the highest draft selection of the Patrick Mahomes era in Kansas City. But rather than standing pat and waiting to see how the board played out, Veach identified a foundational piece and made an aggressive move to secure him.

The Steep Price for a Shutdown Cornerback

To land their premier target, the Chiefs executed a blockbuster deal with the Cleveland Browns. Kansas City sent the No. 9, No. 74 and No. 148 overall picks to Cleveland to move up three spots and draft Mansoor Delane.

The price was undeniably steep, but the Chiefs front office believed Delane was a talent they simply could not let slip away. The 22 year old cornerback brings a blend of technical refinement, elite processing speed, and undeniable grit to a defensive backfield desperate for a true shutdown presence.

For Delane, hearing his name called on draft night was the culmination of a grueling journey. Surrounded by his family, tears streamed down his face as the realization of his lifelong dream finally set in. The emotion was raw and highly justified. Delane played almost the entirety of his senior season at LSU with a severe core muscle injury. Rather than opting for immediate surgery and sitting out to protect his draft stock, he chose to fight through the agonizing pain to remain on the field with his teammates.

During his lone season in the SEC, Delane recorded 11 pass breakups, two interceptions and 45 combined tackles. His toughness and unique ability to read opposing quarterbacks make him an ideal fit for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who relies on a complex and pressure heavy scheme that requires defensive backs to operate in isolation against elite receivers.

Securing a Disruptive Force in the Trenches

The Chiefs were not finished retooling their defense. Thanks to the previous trade involving McDuffie, Kansas City held the No. 29 overall pick. They used it to select Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods, completing a defensive double dip in the first round.

Woods brings a completely different type of emotion to the Kansas City roster. Surrounded by family and friends at a local dealership in his home state of Alabama, Woods celebrated a stressful pre draft process coming to an end. Once projected as a top ten pick, his stock slipped after a junior season where his consistency occasionally waned. However, the Chiefs saw an opportunity to grab a premium athlete who can make an immediate impact.

Standing at 6 foot 2 and weighing 300 pounds, Woods is an active brawler with explosive lower body strength. During his Pro Day, he posted an impressive 1.67 second 10 yard split, confirming his innate ability to burst through the line of scrimmage and disrupt plays in the backfield. He now gets the opportunity to learn directly from superstar defensive tackle Chris Jones and defensive line coach Joe Cullen, a pairing that could unlock his massive potential.

The Path Back to the Super Bowl

Getting back into Super Bowl contention requires more than just high draft picks. It requires players who are willing to embrace the physical and mental demands of professional football. In Mansoor Delane and Peter Woods, the Chiefs have drafted two athletes who have proven they can handle adversity. Delane fought through severe physical pain to prove his worth in college football’s toughest conference, while Woods weathered intense public scrutiny regarding his draft stock to realize his NFL dreams.

Veach and the Kansas City front office understood that a 6-11 season was entirely unacceptable. By aggressively targeting their defensive needs and valuing toughness as much as raw athletic talent, the Chiefs have sent a clear message to the rest of the league. They are not content to let the memories of past championships sustain them.

By rebuilding their secondary and fortifying their defensive line, the defense is positioned to complement Patrick Mahomes and the offense once again. The road back to the Super Bowl is never easy, but the Kansas City Chiefs have taken the necessary first steps to reclaim their spot at the top of the NFL mountain.

Originally from Staten Island, New York, I’ve spent most of my adult life in Arizona, where my passion for sports continues to grow. A proud University of Arizona graduate, I developed my journalism skills covering mostly football, basketball, and a few other sports for the Daily Wildcat and UATV-3.

Now covering the Kansas City Chiefs for Total Apex Sports, I aim to tell authentic stories that highlight the journeys, triumphs, and challenges of athletes today. I’m passionate about connecting with readers through honest and insightful coverage that reflects my deep love for the game.