NFL.com Senior Editor of Draft Strategy Don Parr has released his first mock draft of the season, predicting that the Dolphins will select cornerback Mansoor Delane from LSU with the 11th overall pick. This selection aligns with many current mock drafts that suggest the Dolphins will target Delane.
According to Parr, “Fortune smiles upon new Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley, who ends up landing the draft”s top cornerback with his first pick on the job. Miami addresses a massive void at the position.”
Delane”s journey to this point has been remarkable. After spending three seasons at Virginia Tech, where he started 29 consecutive games, he made the strategic decision to transfer to LSU for his final collegiate year. This move was not solely motivated by the potential for NIL opportunities; rather, it demonstrated his desire to prepare meticulously for a professional career. Despite being projected as a mid-round pick had he declared for the 2025 draft, Delane recognized the benefits of joining “DBU” under the guidance of secondary coach Corey Raymond.
Delane”s first game at LSU showcased his immediate impact. In his debut against North Carolina, he quickly made his mark by stopping a run for a loss on his first snap, demonstrating his potential. Over his time at Virginia Tech, he earned a Third-Team All-ACC nod in 2024 after recording four interceptions and breaking up 11 passes. The coaching staff relied heavily on his versatility, deploying him across 1,826 defensive snaps during his tenure.
Choosing to join LSU”s storied defensive backfield highlights Delane”s competitive mindset. He embraced the challenge of facing top-tier talent, including the Tigers” prolific receiving corps and Heisman candidate quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. His preparation included cross-training at cornerback, nickel, and safety, which is highly valued by NFL teams.
Delane”s statistics speak for themselves: 146 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 22 passes defended, and six interceptions over three seasons position him as a strong candidate to rise in the draft rankings as April 2026 approaches.
Scouting Report on Mansoor Delane
Delane”s strengths are evident in his gameplay. He processes spatial relationships with elite precision, frequently anticipating route combinations before they unfold. His ability to change direction is impressive, showcasing fluid movement and quick acceleration. He combines the quickness of a cornerback with the tackling mentality of a safety, demonstrating a willingness to engage in run support.
His controlled aggression at the catch point allows him to time his attacks effectively without drawing penalties. He possesses remarkable mental processing speed, diagnosing plays almost instantaneously and rarely making false steps. His versatility is a significant asset; having trained in multiple positions in the secondary, he is adaptable to various defensive schemes.
However, Delane does have some weaknesses. At 187 pounds, he can struggle against larger receivers who use their size to gain separation. He occasionally displays over-aggression when jumping routes, which savvy quarterbacks might exploit. Additionally, he sometimes loses track of assignments by peeking into the backfield in man coverage. While he is competitive at the catch point, his length may not always allow him to disrupt passes against taller receivers.
In summary, Mansoor Delane stands out as a player who combines instinct with a tactical understanding of the game. His ability to play multiple roles in the secondary positions him well for the evolving demands of the NFL. Although there are concerns about his physicality against bigger players, his football intelligence and competitive spirit will appeal to coaching staffs looking for reliable defensive backs capable of executing complex assignments.
