Chiefs GM Brett Veach Reveals Early Decision to Draft Cornerback Mansoor Delane at No. 6

The Kansas City Chiefs caught some observers off guard when they traded up to select cornerback Mansoor Delane with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach revealed in a post-draft press conference that the team’s interest in Delane was no secret to them—it was a carefully executed strategy to keep the selection under wraps.

“It’s funny because, three, four weeks ago, when we were going through the ’30’ visits, I bumped Steve [Spagnuolo] and said, ‘We’re going to bring our corner in,’” Veach explained. “And he said, ‘Don’t bring him in. Just don’t bring him in. Let’s just Zoom him. Let’s keep it quiet.’ I thought we did a good job.”

Veach emphasized that the Chiefs had identified Delane as their top cornerback target long before draft day. He noted that while some fans speculated the team might prioritize an offensive lineman, Kansas City’s decision was always clear.

“I think a lot of people thought we might go offensive line there. But this was our guy the whole time.”

Veach also highlighted the scarcity of elite cornerbacks in the draft, stressing how rare it is to find a player of Delane’s caliber. He drew a comparison to past Chiefs draft moves, including the 2022 trade that brought cornerback Trent McDuffie to the team after exchanging third- and fourth-round picks.

“We traded a 3 and a 5 to get Mansoor Delane, so we’re extremely excited.”

Entering the draft, the Chiefs held the No. 9 overall pick, with the Washington Commanders at No. 7 and the New Orleans Saints at No. 8. Veach revealed that Kansas City anticipated the Saints, who had lost key cornerbacks in recent years, would be the primary competition for Delane. To secure the top cornerback, the Chiefs engaged in trade discussions with the Cleveland Browns and ultimately moved up to No. 6 overall.

Veach praised Delane’s attributes, describing him as a highly athletic and fluid player with elite ball skills and tackling ability. He also noted Delane’s versatility, suggesting he could excel as both an outside and inside cornerback.

“He’s super fluid. He’s athletic. Obviously, he ran that 4.3 [40-yard dash]. But he’s a guy that plays patient, is super aware, has great ball skills. He’s tough, he’ll tackle. We think he can play inside and outside.”

Veach concluded by reaffirming Delane’s status as the draft’s top cornerback, reinforcing the Chiefs’ confidence in their selection.

“Again, we feel like he was the most complete corner. I’m sure he was the consensus No. 1 corner. And, again, when you’re picking at [No.] 9, and you’re right there, and you can get the No. 1 corner in the draft, you go get him.”