Mansoor Delane, the Kansas City Chiefs’ rookie cornerback, is already widely recognized as one of the top five first-year players in the entire NFL. This isn’t just hype, especially considering he missed nearly all of Weeks 1 and 2, making his rapid rise even more insane. This dude is straight up arguing for being the Chiefs’ most valuable defensive player at their bye week, which is just bonkers.
Delane’s Instant Impact and Sticky Coverage
The Chiefs jumped from No. 9 to No. 6 in the draft to snag Delane in April, and man, it’s already looking like a genius move. They needed someone to step up big time after Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson jetted off to the Rams in March. Delane was drafted to immediately start opposite second-year pro Nohl Williams, which is a massive ask for any rookie. But in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, which relies heavily on press-man coverage? That’s a whole different level of challenge. Guess what? Not a problem for Delane. This guy’s a silky-smooth technician who’s playing man coverage at one of the highest rates in the league, 53.3% per Next Gen Stats. And get this: he’s yielding just a 68.2 passer rating against on 14 targets, with an interception and three pass breakups. That’s lockdown stuff, folks. He just doesn’t care if you’re a veteran or a star, he’s coming to play.
Chiefs Defense: MVPs, MVPs in Waiting, and Some Head Scratchers
While Delane is absolutely balling out, the Chiefs’ defense has been a bit up-and-down overall this season. When it comes to the Defensive MVP award at the quarter mark, Athlon Sports actually tapped veteran linebacker Drue Tranquill. He’s been a solid choice, stepping up big with Leo Chenal gone, racking up 29 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and two passes defended. He’s been doing a little bit of everything for Spagnuolo’s scheme and is definitely a key cog for that defense.
But then there’s Chris Jones. Oof. This one stings because he’s got a nearly $45 million salary-cap number this season. That’s top-of-market money for a defensive tackle, by roughly $15 million, according to Over the Cap. For that kind of cash, you expect top-tier production, and the Chiefs just aren’t getting it yet. Jones has zero sacks through four games, and even more concerning, PFF has him tied for 50th in the NFL with just 11 QB pressures. That’s gotta improve, and fast.
The Chiefs are at their bye week now, and Mansoor Delane is clearly the breakout star, carrying that defense in a huge way. With a talent like Delane already making such an impact, and if guys like Chris Jones can find their rhythm after the bye, that Chiefs D could become truly scary.
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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