After transferring from Viriginia Tech to LSU following his junior season, Mansoor Delane showed that he can perform at an elite level on the biggest stage. Delane emerged into one of the best cornerbacks in the country this past season, and became just the fourth defensive back in LSU history to be selected as an unanimous All-American.
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After such a strong senior season, Delane is poised to make an immediate impact playing on Sundays. He is a projected to be a First Round pick in April's 2026 NFL Draft, and the latest Mock Draft from Mel Kiper Jr. has Delane as a Day 1 difference-maker.
Mansoor Delane projected as No. 12 overall pick by Mel Kiper Jr.
In the latest 2026 Mock Draft from ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr, Delane is projected to be selected with the 12th overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys. Kiper notes that the Cowboys need plenty of defensive help, especially at the cornerback position. Delane could be the perfect addition.
The Cowboys were scorched through the air all season long, as they allowed an NFL-high 46 passing plays of more than 25 yards in 2025-26. Delane showcased his elite skills as a lockdown corner by allowing just 13 catches for 147 yards over the course of 358 pass coverage snaps last season. In addition, he led the SEC in passes defended (13) and passes broken up (11). As Kiper notes, Delane can shut down opposing receivers while also making a bunch of plays on the ball, which could be exactly what the Cowboys need.
Delane's skill set could be a perfect fit for the Dallas defense. The Cowboys are set to begin their first season without Trevon Diggs at cornerback since 2019. Diggs is a two-time Pro Bowler (2021, 2022), First-Team All-Pro (2021), and was the NFL interceptions leader in 2021, but after several injuries and a season of declining impact in 2025, he was cut by the Cowboys at the end of this past season.
Furthermore, DaRon Bland is coming off his second foot surgery in two years, which leaves Dallas' cornerback room with plenty of question marks heading into the new season. With that in mind, adding a guy like Delane could be just what the doctor ordered for Jerry Jones' franchise.
The 2026 NFL Draft takes place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. No matter where Delane ends up, Tiger fans are sure to be cheering him on as he looks to make an immediate impact in the NFL.