LSU has made a strong case as “DBU”, sending several defensive backs to the NFL. Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, and Derek Stingley Jr. all hailed from Baton Rouge before becoming All-Pros. The Tigers found another elite defensive back in transfer Mansoor Delane. Delane has been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing 2025 season that saw Brian Kelly get fired. He has been a true lockdown cornerback, showing elite traits at the position. Delane is one of the top prospects in the 2026 class, but will he be the first corner selected?
2026 NFL Draft: Mansoor Delane Scouting Report
Measurables
Height- 6-foot
Weight- 190 pounds
Background
Delane was a three-star recruit coming out of Archbishop Spalding (Maryland). He was the 55th-ranked cornerback in the Class of 2022 and committed to Virginia Tech. It didn’t take much time for Delane to see the field, appearing in eight games as a true freshman. He finished 2022 with eight pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and got his first interception against Duke. His potential was on full display, having an 82.0 PFF coverage grade while allowing just 16 catches on 35 targets. Delane saw an increase in workload as a sophomore, playing in all 13 of the Hokies’ contests. He racked up 54 tackles and an interception in 2023.
2024 was a mixed bag for Delane, having four interceptions and a pair of forced fumbles, but also allowing 34 catches for 570 yards. His PFF coverage grade as a junior was 66.0, a noticeable drop from his freshman campaign. After three seasons in Blacksburg, Delane transferred to LSU for the 2025 season. He has proven he can handle tougher competition, recording 41 tackles and two interceptions through 10 games. Delane boasts a 90.0 PFF coverage grade, giving up just 13 catches for 167 yards on 34 targets.
Strengths
Delane’s most significant attribute is his ability to stick in man coverage. He has incredibly fluid hips, allowing him to quickly change directions and keep up with wide receivers as a man defender. His elite movement ability provides immense value as a boundary corner lined up on an island with no safety help over the top. Delane blends his coverage skills with physicality, routinely winning in press coverage with strong hand placement. He has impressive ball skills, regularly breaking up passes and coming down with interceptions. Delane is also a willing tackler who displays a high motor while defending the run. His strength is as a boundary corner, but he is versatile and can play both at safety and in the slot.
Weaknesses
While Delane has developed into an elite prospect, there are still areas of concern. He isn’t a great zone defender and can give up easy completions underneath. Delane’s frame is also on the smaller side for a cornerback, weighing 190 pounds. Although he’s shown to be exceptional in press coverage, his lighter frame can raise questions about going up against bigger wide receivers at the next level.
Overview
There aren’t many true lockdown corners in today’s NFL. With modern offenses relying more on potent passing attacks, having a dominant cornerback who can take the top opposing wide receiver out of the game is incredibly valuable. Delane has the traits to be the rare player who can shut down one side of the field. His combination of fluidity and physicality has him in the discussion for the best cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft with Jermod McCoy. While his frame isn’t great and there’s room to grow as a zone defender, Delane’s abilities in man coverage should translate to a Pro Bowl-caliber career. He is a first-round caliber prospect who may be the first corner off the board.
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