Chiefs News 4/28: Chiefs had backup plan if trade-up fell through

Four things I think after the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2026 NFL Draft | The Athletic

Styles falling created a difficult scenario for K.C. The Chiefs had to figure — before the draft — that the Commanders would be choosing between Delane, Tate, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson. If Washington picked Tate as expected, then New Orleans would be deciding between Tyson, Delane and Downs; in that scenario, perhaps Delane would have been more likely to fall to the Chiefs.

Tate going early — and taking a candidate off the board for Washington and New Orleans — meant Delane was more likely to rise to the top of both teams’ draft boards.

And that’s why Veach made this comment on Thursday: “Once Tate left, it solidified our decision to go up there.”

It’s also worth pointing out that K.C.’s draft strategy was affected by an injury update about Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy. Though McCoy was projected to be an early-to-mid first-round pick for most of the last year, his stock plummeted late after reports emerged that his knee could be a long-term issue.

If Delane and McCoy were healthy and available, the Chiefs would’ve had more wiggle room to remain patient at 9 while feeling like they could get a top corner either way. As it turned out, the Chiefs didn’t take any chances, believing it was worth the extra picks to secure Delane.

Biggest 2026 NFL postdraft questions for all 32 teams | ESPN

How quickly can the Chiefs’ four defensive draft picks make an impact?

The Chiefs’ top four selections were all defenders. We know cornerback Mansoor Delane will likely start in place of Trent McDuffie. But the trio alongside Delane — defensive tackle Peter Woods, defensive end R Mason Thomas and safety Jadon Canady — should have opportunities to be rotational contributors. How well they do will likely determine how much of an improvement the Chiefs’ defense makes in 2026.— Nate Taylor

NFL Power Rankings: Chiefs rising after 2026 draft; 49ers keep reaching on picks | NFL.com

Rank: 8 (Up 6) Kansas City Chiefs

Look, people will question this major jump, just like folks did when I preemptively boosted the Ravens in the last edition of the Power Rankings. Some of this is the value of Patrick Mahomes’ return being factored in, and the sooner we get to him retaking the field, the better the Chiefs are. It’s just that simple. I can probably nitpick some of what Kansas City did in the draft, but I feel pretty good about its first three picks contributing early. CB Mansoor Delane made sense and probably will start. DT Peter Woods and edge R Mason Thomas will be in the pass-rush rotation soon, too. The Chiefs didn’t draft an offensive tackle, and they waited until late to take a receiver. This was all about the defense getting better, and I’m OK with the approach.

Cowboys add WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling amid uncertainty on George Pickens | USA Today

The Dallas Cowboys are adding a little additional help in their receiving amid uncertainty about George Pickens’ status.

On Monday, April 27, the Cowboys agreed to a one-year deal with Marquez Valdes-Scantling, according to multiple reports.

Valdez-Scantling, 31, recorded career lows of 14 catches for 120 yards last season, playing five games apiece for the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2024, however, he flexed his field-stretching ability by averaging 21.6 yards per catch.

The veteran figures to be a depth piece for a receiving corps lacking clarity on one of its most potent weapons.

Around the NFL

Bills hit ‘reset button’ with Keon Coleman, say best yet to come | ESPN

Bills president of football operations and general manager Brandon Beane has continued his public support of wide receiver Keon Coleman in the days following the 2026 NFL draft, telling local radio station WGR-550 on Monday that Buffalo shut down a couple of teams that reached out with trade interest in Coleman earlier this offseason.

“We had some people connect with us in Indy, at least one team there, and a couple between there and the owners meetings. But we shut those down,” Beane said. “Our intention is for Keon to be here, and so I think the word was kind of out. So, no calls this weekend.

“… We’ve hit the reset button with him, and hopefully the fan base and everyone’s behind him. I think his best year is yet to come here in 2026.”

The 33rd pick in the 2024 NFL draft has been present for the team’s voluntary work this offseason. Beane and coach Joe Brady, who was Coleman’s offensive coordinator the past two seasons, have spoken highly of his work this month and have been consistent in their messaging of support for the receiver.

“Keon, it’s not lip service,” Beane said Friday while discussing the wide receiver group. “We’re excited about Keon, and he’s, the first few weeks here, it’s been very, very positive. And I think you guys will see that in time, and proud of what he’s done.”

Cam Jordan: Saints haven’t brought in anyone who produced like I did | Pro Football Talk

The Saints traded for Tyree Wilson during the draft and signed Anfernee Jennings on Sunday, which gave them two more pieces on the defensive front and could leave little room for Jordan to return for a 16th season. Jordan said on Sunday that he’d like things to work out and doesn’t think the team has replaced him, but understands that he may have reached the end of the road with the Saints.

“I don’t know,” Jordan said, via Matthew Paras of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. “There’s nobody who produced the way I did last year, so. My talent speaks for itself. And if things work out, phenomenal. I’ve always said I understand the business side to it, so I’ve never worried about it.”

The end of the draft gives all 32 teams a better idea of where things stand on the roster front, so Jordan could find doors open elsewhere if the ones in New Orleans have actually closed.

Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor hospitalized with stomach-related issue | NFL.com

New York Giants Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor has been hospitalized for a stomach-related issue that a representative of his said does not appear to be life-threatening.

In a statement released Monday, attorney Mark Eiglarsh said Taylor authorized him to let the public know that the 67-year-old has been in the hospital for a week with no discharge date determined. Eiglarsh said Taylor remains under medical observation and is showing signs of improvement.

“Lawrence asks that I convey his sincere gratitude to everyone who has been thinking of him and keeping him in their prayers during this challenging time,” Eiglarsh said.

In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride

Chiefs were ‘super high’ on Emmett Johnson: ‘We were shocked he fell’

“We went through the running backs, and Emmett was one of the top guys we watched,” Nutt remembered. “We loved him. Brett was super high on this kid; we all were really high on this kid.”

Johnson was graded as high as a third-round pick by some draft analysts, showing talent that was clear to Nutt and the staff in Kansas City.

“He’s a juke button, he has very good feet, vision, feel, and he’s very good out of the backfield,” Nutt described. “I think the Combine 40, I think he ran like a 4.56 or something, that might’ve scared people away, but then he ran a 4.49 at his Pro Day. Then he ran like a 4.49 or 4.50… so he showed on two reps that he can match the same speed.”

“I don’t know why he fell,” Nutt admitted. “We were shocked he fell, and that’s why we took him in the fifth round, and that’s why Brett traded up to get him. Because of the conviction we had in the talent, and we because we knew that was probably lower than he should’ve went, but we’re happy to have the kid for sure.”

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