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Commanders draft prospect, LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane.
Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters ran headfirst into the free agency pool. In attacking the process, he managed to land starters at multiple positions. However, one position that he lightly touched on was cornerback. Granted, the team signed nickelback Amik Robertson, but he will be exclusively a slot receiver. Writer Bryan Manning from Commanders Wire believes that LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane could serve as an upgrade with the No. 7 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“General manager Adam Peters was aggressive in free agency, addressing multiple needs, particularly on a defense that ranked among the NFL’s worst in 2025. Peters added seven new defensive players in his effort to make the Commanders ‘younger and faster.'”
According to Pro Football Focus, the Commanders ranked third-worst in the NFL in coverage. Also, the statistics bear that fact out. Starting cornerback Mike Sainristil allowed nine touchdowns with a 68.5% completion percentage. Nine times, the pass defense surrendered nine 250-yard games. Furthermore, the unit failed on third downs. Opponents threw six touchdowns on third down.
LSU DB Mansoor Delane just posted a 4.38u 40 time
pic.twitter.com/XQ2CsYdRk8
— Bussin’ With The Boys (@BussinWTB) March 23, 2026
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Delane’s Big Pro Day Could Cement Status
Normally, teams do not place a tremendous priority on the 40-yard dash. However, many will use that number as a cementer: whether a player possesses enough burst to compete at the next level. Delane’s draft stock sat in the middle of the first, based on an unknown explosion. Yesterday, he participated in LSU’s annual Pro Day. The corner posts a time of 4.38.
Now, if you add that to his other traits, the stock will rise. A six-foot, 187-pound corner that can run delights teams. More importantly, the measurables and film firmly reside in his favor. Delane picked off eight passes during his time at Virginia Tech and LSU. Additionally, breaking up 27 passes means that smart ball skills will help him in the long run.
#LSU CB Mansoor Delane’s DB Drills from Pro Day
Top 5. pic.twitter.com/r8t4lKoMTI
— Tingle & Co (@Tingle__Co) March 23, 2026
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An underrated part of his career is the tackling. Many cornerbacks can cover, but not many show the willingness to drop a shoulder and tackle. For instance, 108 of his 191 career tackles are solo. Plus, Delane forced four fumbles and recorded seven tackles for loss. Pro Football Focus provides a deeper look into a potential Commanders draft pick.
Delane held the No. 5 spot in the nation when it came to cornerbacks. He did not give up a single touchdown. On top of that, he allowed 14 catches out of 35 passes for a completion percentage of 40%.
Mansoor Delane is CB1 in the 2026 NFL Draft 🔐
Not a lot of new tape… he’s been targeted 5 times in the last 4 games. Shutdown. pic.twitter.com/WEB9M7WxLQ
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) October 21, 2025
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Daronte Jones Secondary Preference
New Commanders defensive coordinator Daronte Jones cut his teeth as a defensive backs coach. While Peters built the front seven up with additions, Jones will remodel the back end in his own image. For example, Jones wants playmakers and sound tacklers that can accomplish more than one task. Corners should cover, but tackling also remains an integral part of any defense, especially one that wants aggressive players at all three levels.
Mansoor Delane
GettyFormer LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane.
NFL.com draws the parallel between Delane and Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl defender Quinyon Mitchell and writes about how his game could translate.
“He excels in press coverage, altering release timing with punches and slides. 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.”
The Commanders, even after a strong free agency haul, still need back-end help. Can the former LSU standout be the one?
Mansoor Delane
GettyFormer Virginia Tech/LSU Mansoor Delane.