The Saints lost a bid for LSU corner Mansoor Delane when Kansas City traded up to pick him sixth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. New Orleans now must plug a hole at corner with free agents or young talent.
The Chiefs then took Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods at No. 29 to pair length and twitch. That duo is built to lift each other and push the pocket. It puts heat on New Orleans to answer fast.
Why New Orleans fell short
The Saints have hunted steady corner play since losing Marshon Lattimore. They let key games in the NFC South slip and now face a gap. Kansas City moved from ninth to sixth to get Delane. That shows what elite coverage costs. The Saints must reset their plan for the NFC South race.
New Orleans will test free agents and look hard at its 2025 picks. Paying late often costs more than paying early. The cap could tighten if they chase big names. The front office knows delay can hurt more than a bold move.
Rookie fit in Kansas City
Kansas City rookie camp tape shows Woods and Delane plan to lift output with simple math. Woods pushes the pocket so Delane can jump routes. Delane locks half the field so Woods sees one-on-one edges. It fits Andy Reid’s pace and Patrick Mahomes’ snap count.
Andy Reid likes speed and smarts. This pair gives him both. If they gel fast, the AFC West race gets tougher for everyone, including the Saints.
What this means for the Saints
The Saints must decide to buy proven corners or grow their own. Cover-three and cover-four shells can be picked apart without a true shutdown player. Kansas City took two first-round picks on defense in 2026: Delane at sixth and Woods at 29. That depth is a warning sign.
New Orleans has to track trends. Teams that lose the race for elite coverage often pay heavy prices in free agency. The Saints can ill afford another year of broken coverage in the loud dome.
Next steps and cap plan
Minicamp will turn to training camp fast. The Saints will weigh short-term fixes against long-term growth. They need a corner who can play press and bail out young safeties. Film says that without a true lock, passing games will feast on New Orleans.
The cap may force hard calls. The front office brass knows inaction can cost more than a deal. They must pick a lane and drive it.
Why did the Saints not take Mansoor Delane?
Kansas City traded up from ninth to sixth to take Delane before New Orleans could move.
What did Peter Woods say about Delane?
Woods said he helps Delane get interceptions and Delane helps him get sacks. He called it simple and productive.
How many first-round defensive picks did Kansas City take in 2026?
The Chiefs took two first-round picks on defense: LSU corner Mansoor Delane at sixth and Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods at 29.
Leave a Reply