It turned out to be an interesting three days for the Kansas City Chiefs, even though Mel Kiper didn’t like some of the team’s decisions. And here is why the Chiefs made the biggest mistake of the 2026 NFL Draft.Standing at No. 9 overall, the Chiefs had one of their highest draft picks in years. But they couldn’t hold their patience. They made a deal with the Browns to move into the No. 6 spot. Obviously, they were afraid the Commanders, at No. 7, would grab the guy the Chiefs wanted.

And that led to two huge mistakes. It wasn’t only trading up and giving up a later pick. But it was also the player the Chiefs picked.

Chiefs made a mistake by picking CB Mansoor Delane

First, the Chiefs have to recognize their window of dominance is closing. Perhaps it is already closed after last year’s debacle.

However, Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes remain. So there’s still hope. But the Chiefs needed an offensive weapon for Mahomes. Receivers Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thonton just don’t move the needle. And tight end Travis Kelce is at the end of his NFL road.

Here’s the very sad part for the Chiefs. They didn’t just miss one opportunity to get a game-changing receiver. They missed two.

First, when they traded up to select Delane, wide receiver Jordyn Tyson remained on the board. That would have added exactly what the Chiefs needed to their receiver room. It couldn’t have created a renaissance season for Mahomes.

Now, let’s be brutally honest about Mahomes. His numbers between 2018 and 2022 were out of this world. But over the past three seasons, the numbers have been in decline. The most notable place is touchdowns. He threw for just 27, 26, and then a paltry 22 last season.

And the reason for the decline is a lack of weapons. And here’s what Tyson would have brought to the field, according to NFL.com.

“He’s added size and improved his route running over the last two years, showing he can align at all three receiver spots,” Lance Zierlein wrote. “He occasionally rushes the route but has the short-area quickness and contested-catch toughness to find chain-moving grabs in high-leverage moments. He’s not a blazer but has enough speed to work down the field.

“Also, he has the ball skills and body control to win above the rim with timing on 50/50 throws. Scouts say he puts in the time to absorb knowledge and hone his craft. A history of injuries might explain inconsistent competitiveness as a run blocker in 2025. The wiring, versatility, and finishing talent point to a WR1 ceiling.”

It’s not that Delane is a bad player. And the Chiefs did need cornerback help. However, what a perfect fit Tyson would have been for the Chiefs.

But the decision to trade a third-round pick hurt, too.

Chiefs wasted a chance to get a WR in Round 3

By the time the Chiefs would have picked in Round 3, a lot of talented wide receivers were off the board. However, sitting at pick No. 22 in the round, the Chiefs could have made a trade to move up a few spots.

That would have given them a shot at either Chris Brazzell II or Ted Hurst. And either of those two receivers could have changed the course of the Chiefs’ future.

The best bet would have been Brazzell. Just imagine Mahomes having this at his disposal, according to The Athletic.

“Brazzell still has a long way to go before becoming a complete receiver, but he is a long-striding athlete and dangerous vertical threat with surprising savvy for his size,” Dane Brugler wrote. “He has the talent to become a team’s No. 2 or No. 3 option.

“Brazzell gets to top speed in a hurry to stack corners on his hip and keep them there. He can sink to smoothly get in and out of breaks, although scouts want to see him improve his consistency on intermediate routes and expand his route menu in the NFL (48.7 percent of his routes in 2025 were either a hitch or go). He is at his best using his tracking skills and length to be a jump-ball winner down the field.”

It would also have been realistic for the Chiefs to pick Brazzell with their second-round selection. Brazzell was considered a first-round talent by some scouts, including NFL Draft Buzz, which ranked him No. 5 overall.

Instead, the Chiefs went with an edge rusher. R Mason Thomas could make an impact. However, he’s 249 pounds with short arms. And his slight frame might not hold up for a 17-game schedule. It’s possible Thomas could be a disappointment.

And Mahomes — the best player on the team — will once again be asked to carry the Chiefs to victory without holding a full deck of cards.