The LSU Tigers announced that cornerback Mansoor Delane has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft after a breakout season in Baton Rouge.
Delane transferred to LSU from Virginia Tech and immediately made an impact. The move transformed his career trajectory.
The Jim Thorpe Award finalist is now projected as a first-round pick by multiple draft analysts. He’s expected to be in the green room when the draft begins in Pittsburgh this week.
Delane started 11 games for the Tigers last season and led the team with 11 pass breakups. He also recorded 45 tackles and 2 interceptions.
The first-team Associated Press All-American capped off three solid years at Virginia Tech with his best season yet at LSU.
Latest NFL Draft Projections
Jordan Reid (ESPN): No. 8, New Orleans Saints
Mel Kiper (ESPN): No. 11, Miami Dolphins
Chad Reuter (NFL): No. 7, Washington Commanders
Eric Edholm (NFL): No. 7, Washington Commanders
Mansoor Delane NFL Draft Profile
NFL’s Lance Zierlein ranks Delane among the top cornerbacks in what he calls a cornerback-rich draft class.
“Delane is one of the top cornerbacks in a CB-rich draft. 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. He has good top-end speed for vertical phasing but is inconsistent turning to find the football.”
Zierlein noted that Delane played through a core muscle injury for much of the 2025 season. The cornerback still performed at an elite level despite the injury.
“While he locks in on the route at times, he’s rarely oblivious to the quarterback’s actions, allowing him to slam catch windows shut and play the football. Delane’s emergence over the past two years might be indicative of what’s to come, as he’s shown lockdown potential.”
The analyst believes Delane’s improvement over the past two seasons suggests he hasn’t reached his ceiling yet.
