It’s been a minute, but the Kansas City Chiefs’ No. 6 overall pick, cornerback Mansoor Delane, is finally in full contact practices, getting ready for what everyone hopes are his first live snaps of the preseason. After three weeks of Chiefs training camp, which wraps up on Thursday, August 20th, it feels like we’ve been waiting forever to see this guy go full speed. Delane spent most of camp and the first preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams in a yellow, non-contact jersey. That’s all changed this week.
Delane’s Tape Is Showing Up In Pads
Defensive backs coach Dave Merritt has been watching Delane closely now that he’s participating completely. Merritt told local media that he’s “seeing some of the things that we saw on tape coming out of LSU,” which is exactly what you want to hear. He’s talking about Delane’s “sticky coverage” and the ability to “actually tackle people now” that he’s back in full pads. Merritt is really hopeful we see Delane hit the field for real this Saturday. Can you imagine the excitement? Getting your top pick out there finally.
Spagnuolo’s Anxious To See Him Play
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo had admitted earlier in camp that Delane had “a lot” to work on once he shed that non-contact jersey. Now that’s happening, Spagnuolo can really dig in and coach up the “crowned jewel” of this year’s draft class. He told local media that Delane is “definitely a competitor. We saw that on tape when we evaluated him.” But, like a lot of young players, Delane needs to “knock some practice habits out of them.” Spagnuolo said Delane is learning and embracing it, with the vets pushing him. It’s a bummer he missed so much time, but the goal is to get him caught up ASAP.
The next preseason game is this Saturday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 6:30 p.m. Arrowhead time. Spagnuolo said he doesn’t know what head coach Andy Reid will decide about Delane’s game time, but he’s “anxious to get him out there and see what we’ve got.” Fans are just as anxious! We need to see what this guy can do, and this weekend is the first real chance.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Arrowhead Pride.
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