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When the New Orleans Saints lost defensive back Alontae Taylor to the Tennessee Titans in free agency, it created a potential need in their secondary. It's a need that could be addressed early in the draft with a talent just up the road in Mansoor Delane of the LSU Tigers. There are other more pressing needs for the Saints, but they could choose to strengthen an already talented defensive backfield.
New Orleans ranked fourth against the pass last season. Taylor played a big part in that, but just as crucial was second-year cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, rookie corner Quincy Riley, and rookie safety Jonas Sanker. Still, Taylor's loss created the need for a third quality corner. It's possible the Saints take the opportunity to shore that up with an early draft choice.
A three-star recruit at Archbishop Spaulding High School in Maryland, Delane would initially take his talents to the Virginia Tech Hokies. As a freshman in 2022, Delane had an interception and 8 pass breakups with 3.5 tackles for loss while earning Honorable Mention All-ACC recognition. By 2023, fewer teams would throw his direction but he still managed an interception. Delane picked off 4 throws for the Hokies in 2024 while breaking up 7 throws and earning 3rd Team all-onference honors.
After the 2024 season, Delane transferred to Baton Rouge and the LSU Tigers. He'd be one of the bright spots for a struggling team. Delane had 2 interceptions, with his 11 passes broken up second in the SEC. It was enough to not only earn 1st Team All-SEC, but unanimous All-American recognition as well.
Mansoor Delane should be the first cornerback drafted, with a strong chance at being a top-10 selection. He has lockdown potential and could quickly be the top corner for the team that drafts him. There aren't many holes in his game, which sets him apart in what some consider a deep draft class at the position.
New Orleans has bigger needs than cornerback. However, the temptation to add Delane to McKinstry and Riley might be too much to pass up. More effective as an outside corner, Delane would allow Riley or McKinstry to slide into more slot duties while bringing some slot versatility himself.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Scouting Saints prospect LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane
Continue reading...
New Orleans ranked fourth against the pass last season. Taylor played a big part in that, but just as crucial was second-year cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, rookie corner Quincy Riley, and rookie safety Jonas Sanker. Still, Taylor's loss created the need for a third quality corner. It's possible the Saints take the opportunity to shore that up with an early draft choice.
Mansoor Delane bio
- Position: Cornerback
- College: LSU Tigers
- Height: 6-feet
- Weight: 187 pounds
A three-star recruit at Archbishop Spaulding High School in Maryland, Delane would initially take his talents to the Virginia Tech Hokies. As a freshman in 2022, Delane had an interception and 8 pass breakups with 3.5 tackles for loss while earning Honorable Mention All-ACC recognition. By 2023, fewer teams would throw his direction but he still managed an interception. Delane picked off 4 throws for the Hokies in 2024 while breaking up 7 throws and earning 3rd Team all-onference honors.
After the 2024 season, Delane transferred to Baton Rouge and the LSU Tigers. He'd be one of the bright spots for a struggling team. Delane had 2 interceptions, with his 11 passes broken up second in the SEC. It was enough to not only earn 1st Team All-SEC, but unanimous All-American recognition as well.
Strengths
- Lockdown potential
- Extremely agile with instant change of direction
- Terrific anticipation of opposing routes
- Smothering man coverage with discipline to avoid penalties
- Strong breaks on the ball
- Good ball awareness
- Excels in press coverage with good timing and release
Weaknesses
- Has been beaten by double moves and route combinations
- Ball tracking on deep throws must improve
- Plays a little upright in off-ball coverage
- Recovery speed in question
- Can be too handsy in man coverage before locating ball
- Needs to improve open field tackling
2026 draft outlook
Mansoor Delane should be the first cornerback drafted, with a strong chance at being a top-10 selection. He has lockdown potential and could quickly be the top corner for the team that drafts him. There aren't many holes in his game, which sets him apart in what some consider a deep draft class at the position.
New Orleans has bigger needs than cornerback. However, the temptation to add Delane to McKinstry and Riley might be too much to pass up. More effective as an outside corner, Delane would allow Riley or McKinstry to slide into more slot duties while bringing some slot versatility himself.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Scouting Saints prospect LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane
Continue reading...
