In the NFL, relationships matter - maybe more than we care to admit. Whether it's in the coaching carousel or the war room on draft night, connections often shape decisions.
The latest example? The Dallas Cowboys’ new cornerbacks coach, Ryan Smith, and his ties to one of the top defensive prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft: LSU’s Mansoor Delane.
Let’s unpack why that matters.
A Familiar Face in a New Place
The Cowboys are entering a new chapter on defense under recently hired coordinator Christian Parker, and he’s wasting no time assembling his staff. One of his key hires is Ryan Smith, who comes over from Arizona, where he coached the Cardinals’ cornerbacks. But Smith’s impact in Dallas could go beyond the sidelines - it might stretch all the way to the draft board.
Before Delane was locking down receivers in Baton Rouge, he was doing the same at Virginia Tech. And one of the primary reasons he chose the Hokies?
Ryan Smith. Smith helped recruit Delane out of high school and played a key role in his early development.
Delane has publicly credited Smith as a major influence in his growth as a cornerback - a coach who believed in him from the start and helped shape his technique and mindset.
That kind of bond doesn’t just fade. And in a league where trust and familiarity can tip the scales, it’s something worth watching.
The Prospect: Mansoor Delane
Delane isn’t your prototypical NFL corner in terms of measurables - he’s not the longest or the flashiest athlete in this year’s class. But turn on the tape, and it’s clear why he’s in the conversation as the top cornerback in the 2026 draft.
His instincts, ball skills, and competitive edge jump off the screen. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and has the kind of sticky coverage ability that translates on Sundays.
Dallas, sitting at No. 12 in the draft, has a glaring need at corner. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued their secondary, and they’re in desperate need of a lockdown presence on the outside. Delane could be that guy.
Of course, there are no guarantees. The Cowboys have historically preferred corners with more length, and it’s unclear how Parker - in his first year leading the defense - views Delane’s fit in his scheme. There’s also the possibility that Delane is off the board before Dallas is even on the clock.
But the connection between Smith and Delane can’t be ignored. It’s not just a nice story - it’s a real factor that could influence draft-day decisions.
When a coach has firsthand knowledge of a player’s work ethic, football IQ, and locker room presence, it takes some of the guesswork out of the evaluation process. That trust can be a tiebreaker in a tight draft room.
A Strategic Hire with Draft Implications
Hiring Ryan Smith was already a smart move for a Dallas defense that needs to rebuild its secondary from the ground up. But if that hire also helps land a top-tier cornerback like Delane - someone who already knows and respects Smith - it becomes even more valuable.
This is how NFL teams build not just rosters, but cultures. Coaches who can bring in players they’ve helped mold, players who already buy into their message and methods, can accelerate a unit’s growth. And in a division where the Cowboys face elite receivers week in and week out, that kind of cohesion in the secondary is more than a luxury - it’s a necessity.
So, while nothing is set in stone, don’t be surprised if the Cowboys’ draft card in April has Delane’s name on it. The dots are there. And in the NFL, where relationships often drive results, it wouldn’t be the first time a familiar face helped seal the deal.