As the NFL Draft looms on the horizon, the buzz is palpable. Fresh off the Seattle Seahawks' victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60, the league's attention now shifts to the future stars emerging from the NFL Combine in Indiana.
LSU's 2025 season may not have gone as planned, finishing 7-6 overall and 3-5 in the SEC, but the talent on their roster is undeniable. Cornerback Mansoor Delane stands out as a potential early first-round pick, showcasing skills that have scouts buzzing. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is projected to be a Day 2 selection, while linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. is also drawing attention as a possible Day 1 or Day 2 pick.
Interestingly, this year LSU won't be producing a first-round wide receiver. Instead, Delane steps into the spotlight as the premier skill player from the team.
His stats speak volumes: eight interceptions, four forced fumbles, 191 tackles (110 solo), and 27 pass deflections over his college career. After transferring from Virginia Tech, Delane's prowess as a man-to-man cornerback has positioned him as the best in this draft class.
Delane's high rating across various platforms, including ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., suggests he won't be on the board for long. The New Orleans Saints, picking at eight, might keep him in Louisiana, but he could also land with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or New York Jets if he slips to the 15-16 range.
The Dallas Cowboys seem like a perfect match for Delane. Kiper Jr.'s mock draft places Delane with the Cowboys at pick 12, a move that would address Dallas' pressing defensive needs.
Last season, the Cowboys' defense struggled, allowing over 30 points per game. With Trevon Diggs no longer on the roster, pairing Delane with Deron Bland could transform the Cowboys' secondary into one of the league's best.
Meanwhile, the Rams are also in the market for a cornerback upgrade. With two first-round picks thanks to a trade with the Atlanta Falcons, they sit at pick 13.
Pending free agency for Emmanuel Forbes Jr., Cobie Durant, and Darious Williams could leave the Rams' secondary depleted. If the Cowboys pass on Delane, the Rams might swoop in to secure him.
However, Kiper Jr. currently projects them to select Jermod McCoy from Tennessee.
As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Mansoor Delane, whose journey from LSU to the NFL promises to be one of the most intriguing storylines.