As the 2026 NFL Draft unfolded, the Kansas City Chiefs made moves that sent ripples through the league, including a stunning trade up to secure LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane and Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods with their first-round picks. And while Chiefs fans were anxiously waiting to see how these picks would play out, none were more eager than their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, whose reaction was a simple, yet powerful, three-word statement: “Let’s get it!“

Mahomes’ Three Words: A Statement of Excitement

After the Chiefs made their bold move, trading up to the sixth overall pick, Mahomes took to social media to express his enthusiasm with the three words that have now become a rallying cry for the Chiefs’ 2026 season. Mahomes, who’s known for his leadership both on and off the field, has always been a vocal supporter of his team’s moves, and this time, his excitement was palpable.

The Chiefs, led by General Manager Brett Veach, had a clear vision for this year’s draft. The team moved up in the draft from the ninth overall pick to sixth in order to grab Mansoor Delane, a highly touted cornerback from LSU. The Chiefs traded the No.9, No.74, and No.148 picks to secure Delane, a move that sent a strong message about the team’s intent to bolster its defense.

For Mahomes, whose focus is always on building a championship-caliber team, his reaction was swift and to the point. “Let’s get it!” was his succinct way of celebrating the Chiefs’ aggressive move in a draft that was expected to feature numerous trades and surprises.

The Chiefs’ Defensive Overhaul: A Bold Strategy

While the Chiefs’ offense has been a powerhouse in recent years, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances and a Super Bowl title, head coach Andy Reid knew that their defense needed serious attention. In a season where they failed to make the playoffs for the first time in a decade, the focus shifted to strengthening the defense.

“We had some vacancies there that we needed to take care of. That’s the way we felt going in,” said Reid. The Chiefs’ defense had been a point of vulnerability, particularly after they lost Trent McDuffie to a trade with the Los Angeles Rams in March. It became clear that to remain competitive in the AFC, Kansas City needed a defensive upgrade.

Reid and Veach addressed this need head-on by targeting two defensive stars in the first round—Mansoor Delane and Peter Woods. Delane, now tasked with filling McDuffie’s shoes, is expected to make an immediate impact. The LSU star is known for his ability to cover wide receivers and disrupt plays, making him a perfect fit for a Chiefs defense that needed to improve in those areas.

The Chiefs’ Bold Draft Trade: Moving Up for Delane

Delane was a highly coveted player in this year’s draft, and the Chiefs’ decision to trade up for him is a testament to their confidence in his ability to contribute immediately. The Chiefs had the ninth overall pick, but to ensure they could land Delane, they made a major play to move up to the sixth pick, exchanging their picks at No.9, No.74, and No.148 to the Cleveland Browns.

The Browns, in turn, selected Spencer Fano, an offensive tackle, with the No.9 pick, while the Chiefs secured one of the most promising defensive backs in this year’s class. It was a move that reflected the Chiefs’ commitment to fortifying their defense, as well as their willingness to take bold steps to stay at the top of the AFC.

The Chiefs’ Second Pick: Peter Woods’ Arrival

But the Chiefs weren’t done after securing Delane. With their 29th overall pick, Kansas City turned its attention to the defensive line, selecting Peter Woods, a standout defensive tackle from Clemson. Woods, who is known for his powerful pass-rushing ability and relentless work ethic, will add a much-needed boost to the Chiefs’ defensive front.

After the draft, Mahomes posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) with a flexing bicep emoji, a clear show of support for Woods. Mahomes’ enthusiasm for both of the Chiefs’ first-round picks was evident, and his reaction highlighted the excitement and optimism that both he and the team have about the future.

Veach and Reid’s Strategy: Expecting Immediate Impact

Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach expressed confidence that Delane and Woods would make a significant impact in their rookie seasons. He echoed the sentiment that the team was not looking to draft players for the future—they were looking for players who could contribute right now.

“We expect these guys to be impact players right out of the gate,” Veach said. “We want to get younger and deeper, but we also don’t want to redshirt guys. We identified two guys that we think can come in right away and help us.”

This philosophy of “impact players now” reflects the Chiefs’ urgency to return to their dominant form after last season’s setback. Both Delane and Woods will be expected to step in immediately and make their mark, with no time to waste in adjusting to the NFL’s high-stakes environment.

A Comparison to the 2022 Draft: Looking for Another Success Story

The Chiefs’ draft strategy in 2026 closely mirrors their approach in 2022, when they also had two first-round picks. That year, the Chiefs selected Trent McDuffie (cornerback) and George Karlaftis (defensive end), both of whom have since become integral parts of the team. Veach hopes that Delane and Woods will have a similarly positive impact on the defense in 2026.

With two top-tier rookies added to the defensive roster, the Chiefs are setting themselves up for success in the near future. By trading up to secure Delane and adding Woods at No.29, they’ve addressed key needs and signaled their intent to remain a top contender in the AFC.

Mahomes’ Role in the Chiefs’ Future: Ready for the Challenge

As the Chiefs’ superstar quarterback, Patrick Mahomes is always at the forefront of the team’s efforts. His reaction to the draft moves shows just how involved he is in the decision-making process and how much faith he has in the team’s ability to rebound from last season’s disappointment.

Mahomes’ leadership, both on and off the field, will be crucial as the Chiefs integrate Delane and Woods into the roster. With the 2026 season on the horizon, Mahomes and the Chiefs are ready to face the challenge head-on, and they’re eager to see the rookies bring the passion and energy that Kelce so fervently asked for.

The Road Ahead: Can the Chiefs Regain Their Dominance?

With Delane and Woods joining a defensive unit that already includes elite players like Chris Jones and Nick Bolton, the Chiefs are looking to build one of the most formidable defenses in the league. Their bold moves in the 2026 NFL Draft have set the stage for what could be a dominant season ahead, and Mahomes is ready to lead the charge.

The question now is whether these new additions will be enough to push the Chiefs back to the AFC Championship and Super Bowl contention. With Mahomes leading the offense and an upgraded defense, it’s clear that Kansas City’s path back to the top will be fueled by energy, passion, and talent—traits that Mahomes has already made clear he expects from the rookies.

As the 2026 NFL season approaches, the Chiefs’ future is looking brighter than ever, and with Mahomes at the helm, the sky’s the limit.