Sportsvival continues its deep dive into the 2026 NFL Draft class, turning to LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, a transfer standout who has quickly emerged as one of the nation’s premier defensive backs. With shutdown ability, physicality at the catch point, and All‑American accolades, Delane is firmly entrenched in first‑round conversations as one of the class’s top cover men.
Background and Recruit Profile
High School: Archbishop Spalding (Severn, Maryland).
Recruiting: Three‑star recruit in the 2022 class; ranked among the nation’s top 60 cornerbacks.
High School accomplishments: Multi‑sport athlete with strong football instincts; earned All‑Conference honors and drew attention for his physical press coverage and ball skills.
Recruitment path: Originally committed to Virginia Tech, where he started 29 games across three seasons before transferring to LSU in 2025.
Physical Profile and Measurables
Height/Weight: 6 ft 0 in; 190 lbs.
Frame: Prototypical outside corner build with balanced length and compact strength.
Athletic traits: 4.44‑second forty time; fluid hips, quick feet, and strong recovery speed. Thrives in press coverage with the ability to mirror routes and contest throws.
College Career and Production
Virginia Tech (2022–2024): Immediate contributor; earned All‑ACC third‑team honors in 2024. Showed steady growth with multiple interceptions and pass breakups.
LSU (2025): Breakout season in Baton Rouge. Named First‑Team All‑American and SEC’s highest‑graded cornerback. Posted 45 tackles, 13 pass deflections, 11 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions. Finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back.
Strengths
Coverage Versatility: Excels in press‑man and zone concepts; sticky coverage with strong anticipation.
Ball Skills: Disruptive at the catch point; consistently breaks up passes and contests throws.
Physicality: Willing tackler who supports run defense and plays with toughness.
Experience: Over 40 career starts across two Power Five programs; proven against elite competition.
Weaknesses
Injury Concerns: Played through a core injury in 2025; durability will be monitored.
Turnover Production: While disruptive, interception totals remain modest compared to other elite corners.
Transition Speed: Must continue refining recovery angles against vertical threats.
Role Projection and Draft Outlook
Draft projection: Mid‑to‑late first round, with potential to climb into the top‑15 if medicals check out and testing confirms his athletic profile.
Role projection: Day‑1 starter as an outside corner in man‑heavy or zone‑match schemes; capable of shadowing WR1s and contributing immediately.
Ceiling/Floor:
Floor: Reliable CB2 with strong coverage and tackling ability.
Ceiling: Pro Bowl‑caliber shutdown corner who anchors a secondary.
Pro Comparison
Primary Comparison: Patrick Surtain II - Both combine size, fluidity, and press‑man prowess with the ability to erase top receivers.
Sportsvival View
Sportsvival views Mansoor Delane as one of the most polished defensive backs in the 2026 class. His blend of size (6‑0, 190), speed (4.44), and production (All‑American, Thorpe finalist) makes him a cornerstone prospect for teams seeking a true lockdown corner. With continued health and technical refinement, Delane projects as a high‑impact defender who can elevate an NFL secondary from Day 1.
photo courtesy of (Death Valley Voice)