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The Baltimore Ravens don't always draft for need. More often than not, they draft for value, and nothing says 'value' like possibly landing a top-ten-level prospect with the 14th overall selection. That philosophy is what makes their latest predraft visit so interesting. According to Ian Rapoport, former LSU Tigers cornerback Mansoor Delane is set to visit Baltimore as one of his final three stops. That adds another layer to a draft strategy that already feels wide open.
On the surface, cornerback doesn't feel like a glaring need. The Ravens return a solid trio featuring Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, and Chidobe Awuzie, with depth pieces already in place behind them.
In most scenarios, that would push cornerback down the priority list, especially for a team picking at No. 14 overall with needs along the offensive line, pass rush, and at wide receiver. But Delane isn't in most scenarios. General manager Eric DeCosta keeps selling the 'best player available' approach, and most would agree with Ravens Wire's recent effort that he's one of the top cornerback targets emerging for Baltimore.
Many evaluators view Delane as the best cornerback in the class and a legitimate top-10 talent. His 2025 season backed that up, as he consistently shut down opposing receivers while showcasing elite instincts, length, and ball skills. Whether in press or off coverage, he looks like a player capable of matching up with NFL-caliber wideouts immediately.
Still, that's where things get complicated and do so quickly. If Delane is still on the board when Baltimore is on the clock, the conversation changes. This stops being about positional need and becomes about long-term value.
The Ravens have never shied away from strengthening their position, especially in the secondary, where depth and versatility are essential. There's another layer to consider. Predraft visits aren't always about intent. Sometimes they're about information gathering, especially with division rivals also showing interest.
Then again, they're also sometimes about preparing for a scenario a team doesn't expect but refuses to ignore. That's what this has the potential to become. If Mansoor Delane reaches No. 14, the Ravens may be forced to answer a familiar question. Do they take the player they need, or do they take the player they can't afford to pass on?
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens to meet with the NFL Draft's top cornerback Mansoore Delane
Continue reading...
On the surface, cornerback doesn't feel like a glaring need. The Ravens return a solid trio featuring Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, and Chidobe Awuzie, with depth pieces already in place behind them.
In most scenarios, that would push cornerback down the priority list, especially for a team picking at No. 14 overall with needs along the offensive line, pass rush, and at wide receiver. But Delane isn't in most scenarios. General manager Eric DeCosta keeps selling the 'best player available' approach, and most would agree with Ravens Wire's recent effort that he's one of the top cornerback targets emerging for Baltimore.
Many evaluators view Delane as the best cornerback in the class and a legitimate top-10 talent. His 2025 season backed that up, as he consistently shut down opposing receivers while showcasing elite instincts, length, and ball skills. Whether in press or off coverage, he looks like a player capable of matching up with NFL-caliber wideouts immediately.
Still, that's where things get complicated and do so quickly. If Delane is still on the board when Baltimore is on the clock, the conversation changes. This stops being about positional need and becomes about long-term value.
The Ravens have never shied away from strengthening their position, especially in the secondary, where depth and versatility are essential. There's another layer to consider. Predraft visits aren't always about intent. Sometimes they're about information gathering, especially with division rivals also showing interest.
Then again, they're also sometimes about preparing for a scenario a team doesn't expect but refuses to ignore. That's what this has the potential to become. If Mansoor Delane reaches No. 14, the Ravens may be forced to answer a familiar question. Do they take the player they need, or do they take the player they can't afford to pass on?
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens to meet with the NFL Draft's top cornerback Mansoore Delane
Continue reading...
