2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Mansoor Delane (CB – LSU)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Mansoor Delane

Mansoor Delane (CB – LSU)

6’0″ – 190 lbs.

Background

Three-star recruit who originally attended Virginia Tech, where he spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career. Started the last four of seven games played in 2022, finishing with 38 tackles, eight breakups, an interception, and two forced fumbles. Stepped into a starting role the next year and posted 54 tackles in 2023 and 2024, with one breakup and one pick in 2023 versus seven and four in 2024, respectively. Transferred to LSU for the 2025 season and was named an All-American after recording 45 tackles, eleven breakups, and two interceptions.

Positives

Has over three years of starting experience between two programs, with a favorable trajectory after an outstanding final year against SEC competition, allowing no touchdowns. Tall, long-limbed cornerback who looks the part. Typically lines up on the left side of the defense, with a mix of press-man, shuffle, and off coverage. A very smart, polished cornerback who offers highly consistent snap-to-snap play, with an even temperament. Has strong hands to jam opposing receivers at the line and disrupt their timing. Shows good patience in man coverage to avoid opening his hips early. Uses his hands well to stay connected through the route stem when working from press, and shows impressive route anticipation. Has the speed to stick with receivers down the sidelines or across the field. When his back is to the ball, does a good job of placing his hands to stay in-phase while getting his head around to locate and contest throws. Gets good depth in zone to keep things in front of him and limit big plays; overall temperament is cautious there. Does a nice job of processing route combinations and can break off of his original man if needed. Excellent length, timing, and technique allow him to affect a lot of throws. Was never particularly penalty prone, but didn’t get flagged at all this past year. A solid run defender who uses his length to play off of blocks and locate the football, offering a wide radius and pretty reliable tackling.

Negatives

Frame is perhaps slightly on the thin side, and functional strength is closer to average. Slightly susceptible to jab steps at the line. Can struggle to hold the point against physical stalkers. More of a reliable tackler than an overwhelmingly physical one. Got picked on a little bit in the two seasons leading up to his senior year, with 55.8% of his targets completed in 2023 and seven touchdowns allowed in 2024.

Summary

One of the top prospects in this year’s class, he took major strides this past season, showcasing his excellent combination of height, length, technique, route recognition, and ball skills, traits which made him arguably college football’s premier man-cover corner in 2025. Consequently, looks like he should be able to step right in and start at the next level, with the upside of a number-one cornerback. Look for him to be among the first dozen picks off the board on draft day.

Projection: Round 1