Only two weeks remain in the NFL regular season before the playoffs come around. Multiple playoff spots have been clinched, while some teams are simply looking to end the season healthy before fully turning their attention to the offseason.
The Dylan Stewart to LSU dream is officially dead for fans everywhere
With that in mind, it's never too early to start looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft. This weekend's Week 17 slate features a crucial battle in the hunt for the No. 1 overall pick as the Las Vegas Raiders host the New York Giants. While the draft order remains up in the air, LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane figures to hear his named called on Day 1. Delane officially declared for the NFL Draft last week, and has the potential to make an immediate impact on Sundays in 2026.
Mock draft has Mansoor Delane going early in Round 1
In the latest NFL Mock Draft from Saturday Blitz, Delane is slated to be selected 11th overall by the Los Angeles Rams. Saturday Blitz's Nicholas Rome notes that while the Rams don't have a ton of glaring needs, they could improve greatly by by adding an elite cornerback of Delane's skill set. "Mansoor Delane was the best cornerback in college football this season, and he can step right in and help this team compete for Super Bowls," says Rome.
In what turned out to be a severely disappointing season for the LSU Football program, Delane was a shining star. He emerged as a true lock-down corner whose elite skill set held opposing passing attacks in check. On his 138 man-coverage snaps, Delane was targeted just 14 times and only allowed six catches for a total of 68 yards.
For his efforts, he earned PFF’s second-best man-coverage grade (89.1) in all of college football. The Silver Spring, MD native also totaled 45 tackles and led the SEC in passes defended (13) and passes broken up (11).
Following the conclusion of the regular season, the senior cornerback became the fourth defensive back in LSU history to be selected as an unanimous All-American. He was also a finalist for the Thorpe Award.
If Delane is selected No. 11 overall, he will be in for a big payday. The No. 11 overall pick in last year's 2025 NFL Draft was Georgia DE Mykel Williams, who was drafted by the San Francisco Giants. Prior to the start of the 2025 season, Williams inked a 4-year, $24.94 million contract with the 49ers.