Why the Chiefs Going Heavy on Defense in the 2026 NFL Draft Makes Sense
After the 2025 NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs lost 11 defensive starters to trades, free agency, and expired contracts. Notable losses include two-time All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie, cornerback Jaylen Watson, safety Bryan Cook, and linebacker Leo Chenal. Along with losing a significant number of defensive linemen, Kansas City was critically depleted on that side of the ball. The AFC West is a gauntlet of offensive talent at quarterback, with the Chiefs facing Bo Nix, Justin Herbert, and a highly touted rookie, Fernando Mendoza, fresh off an undefeated season and a National Championship at Indiana. While many Chiefs fans were miffed that the team didn’t select an offensive weapon earlier in the draft, KC has chosen to focus on defense, a philosophy that has been critical to making them a dynasty.
There is a vital facet to consider when looking at the 2026 draft, that facet being that the Chiefs have a Hall of Fame-caliber defensive coordinator in Steve Spagnuolo, a force multiplier. Known for his exotic blitz packages that include bringing defensive backs to rush and pressure the quarterback, the addition of the sixth overall pick, Mansoor Delane, is a selection tailor-made for a Spagnuolo scheme. Delane can play both slot and outside, and with his 4.38 speed, relishes the slot because it gets him closer to the quarterback and creates blitzing opportunities. The lack of quarterback sacks and pressures was critically low in 2025; the LSU phenom is the answer to that problem. Along with Delane, the selection of explosive speed rusher R Mason Thomas confirms KC's focus on speed when drafting defensive prospects. Selected at 40th overall in the draft, Thomas is a twitchy defensive end whose aggression and instincts compensate for his undersized six-foot-two, 241lb frame. Speaking of twitchy, Oregon Ducks cornerback Jadon Canady, drafted 109th overall, provides sticky slot coverage and good closing speed, clocked between a high 4.3 and a low 4.4 in the 40-yard dash. He has a sharp instinct for wide receiver breaks and can cut to disrupt the route with perfect timing. Then there’s the 29th overall pick at defensive lineman Peter Woods. An explosive interior defender who seemingly gets stronger as the rep progresses, Woods is a welcome complement to six-time All-Pro Chris Jones.
Jones is the other vital facet to the Chiefs’ defense. A perennial Pro-Bowler with iconic postseason performances, the three-time Super Bowl champion is the core of the defense. With the sands of time pouring quickly for the 31-year-old future Hall of Famer, Kansas City must keep him surrounded by high-caliber players, such as defensive end George Karlaftis, to get the most out of him while he’s still at Arrowhead. While much of Chiefs Kingdom is up in arms that an offensive playmaker wasn’t chosen higher in the draft, especially with wide receiver Rashee Rice’s injury and his troubles off the field, the Chiefs made the right selections. The saying that defense wins championships is cliché because it’s true, and it’s especially true when that defense has an all-time coach in Spagnuolo and an all-time player in Jones.
