In a recent interview exclusively with Betway, NFL analyst Brian Baldinger expressed optimism about the young Kansas City Chiefs defense heading into the second half of the season.
"Defensively, I actually like a lot of the things that Spags is doing with a lot of young players – R Mason Thomas, Peter Woods, Mansoor Delane – some of these guys look pretty good out there," said Baldinger. "So I feel like the defense is going to get better in the second half of the season, playing as many new and young players."
Kansas City made a concentrated effort in the offseason to restructure their defense with an infusion of young talent from this year's draft and offseason. Baldinger highlighted the first three picks of the Chiefs' 2026 NFL Draft as examples
of young talent thriving under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Delane has recorded 27 total tackles (17 solo and 10 assisted), 1 interception for 5 yards, and 5 passes defended. Thomas has recorded 6 combined tackles (2 solo, 4 assisted), 1 sack, and 2 passes defended, and Woods has recorded 13 total tackles (3 solo, 10 assisted), 0.5 sacks, 1 pass deflection, and 1 quarterback hit entering Week 10.
The long-time broadcaster believes the young players are improving on defense, which will help the Chiefs down the stretch.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: NFL Analyst praises the development of Kansas City Chiefs rookies
