What happened: The Kansas City Chiefs drafted Mansoor Delane, who led rookie cornerbacks with an 81.6 grade on October 21, sixth in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft out of LSU. The New England Patriots selected Gabe Jacas in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft at 55th out of Illinois and signed him in July 2026. The New York Giants took Arvell Reese fifth in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft out of Ohio State.

Why it matters: Reese previously paced first year defenders with a 90.5 Week 4 mark on October 5, but both Delane and Jacas hold higher cumulative season grades as of October 22, 2026. Jacas delivering top four production from the 55th draft slot gives New England premier value from a second round selection while Delane anchors the Kansas City secondary after undergoing a shoulder MRI on September 15.