In the heart of Indianapolis, Mansoor Delane is making waves, and if he had his way, he might have been crashing through offensive lines as a middle linebacker. But as fate would have it, Delane found his calling as a cornerback, and he's proving to be one of the best.
The 22-year-old's love for the physical side of football is palpable. With a background in wrestling, Delane thrives on the intensity of the game, relishing every tackle and every challenge.
His physical prowess and competitive spirit have positioned him to potentially be LSU’s highest-drafted cornerback since Derek Stingley Jr. went third overall in 2022. Four years later, Delane is eyeing a top-10 spot himself.
“It’s just a blessing to keep this legacy going,” Delane shared. His journey to LSU was driven by a desire to be part of a storied tradition, honoring those who came before and paving the way for those who will follow.
Despite spending only a year with the Tigers after transferring from Virginia Tech, Delane's impact was immediate. Standing at 6-foot and weighing in at 190 pounds, he delivered a standout season that has scouts buzzing.
His stats tell the story: Delane allowed just seven first downs on 357 pass coverage snaps, with only 14 completions on 35 targets. This was a significant leap from his 2024 performance at Virginia Tech, where he allowed 34 catches on 72 targets.
“I always had the talent,” Delane reflected. “But it was just being able to put it all together at once.”
His evolution into a formidable press-man corner was key, utilizing his strength and technique to dominate at the line of scrimmage. NFL.com highlights his ability to disrupt receivers with “punches and slides,” a testament to his physical style of play.
At the scouting combine, Delane is making the most of his opportunity to connect with teams and showcase his approach to the game. His conversations with coaches, like Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Shepherd, highlight his strong ties to LSU, while his Maryland roots sparked a connection with John Harbaugh, now with the New York Giants.
Delane's journey is one of talent meeting opportunity, and as he continues to impress, the NFL awaits the next chapter in his promising career.