LSU’s Mansoor Delane and Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy are in a race to become the first cornerback off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Neither Delane nor McCoy, who is recovering from an ACL injury, performed on-field drills or timed sprints during the NFL combine in Indianapolis. They did participate in interviews with NFL teams.
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But on March 23, Delane got off to a flying start in his bid for top CB status. The 6-foot, 187-pound defender ran a 4.38 40-yard dash and impressed scouts with his agility at LSU’s pro day.
As a result, the NFL’s X account shared video of Delane running the 40-yard dash. The caption read, “Mansoor Delane was flying.”
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Delane transferred to LSU for his senior season after playing his first three years for the Virginia Tech Hokies. In 2025, Delane recorded 45 tackles, 11 passes defended and two interceptions. He is a unanimous All-American.
At Virginia Tech, Delane racked up 146 tackles, 16 passes defended and 11 interceptions.
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Lance Zierlein of NFL.com provided a scouting report on Delane in his draft bio. “He excels in press coverage, altering release timing with punches and slides,” Zierlein wrote. “Smooth hips and efficient footwork keep him connected in man coverage, while his processing allows for quick transitions in off-man and short zone looks.”
Consequently, the NFL Mock Draft Database, which compiles mock drafts from several publications, has Delane going anywhere from No. 9 to the Kansas City Chiefs to No. 14 to the Minnesota Vikings.
McCoy has recovered from the injury that cost him his final year with the Volunteers, according to CBS Sports. He will participate in Tennessee’s pro day on March 31.
His mock draft ceiling is No. 8 to the New Orleans Saints, but his floor is all the way down at No. 21 to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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