The New Orleans Saints are starting to find their footing again-and not a moment too soon. With Tyler Shough stepping in and providing some long-awaited stability at quarterback, and Chris Olave blossoming into a true breakout star, the foundation is finally beginning to solidify in the Big Easy. Add in a young core that’s starting to gel, and the Saints are entering the 2026 offseason with something they haven’t had in a while: momentum.
Holding the No. 8 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, New Orleans is in a prime position to add a difference-maker-someone who can contribute right away and grow with this evolving roster. Offensively, there’s a clear need to bolster the skill positions, particularly at wide receiver and running back. But defense could be on the table too, especially at cornerback.
One name that naturally jumps off the board is LSU’s Mansoor Delane. The local standout is one of the top cornerback prospects in the class, and on paper, the idea of keeping him in Louisiana is appealing.
He’s a high-level talent with the kind of man coverage skills that make NFL scouts take notice. But here’s the catch-he might not be the right fit for what the Saints do defensively.
According to data from Sharp Football Analysis, the Saints ran zone coverage nearly 78% of the time last season, leaning heavily on schemes that prioritize space and vision over tight, one-on-one matchups. Man coverage?
They ran it less than 16% of the time. That’s a big mismatch when you’re talking about a corner like Delane, whose best work comes when he's locked in man-to-man, shadowing receivers and using his physicality and instincts to win battles.
That’s why, despite the appeal of drafting a hometown star, Delane doesn’t project as a great fit in New Orleans. If the Saints were running man coverage even half the time, the conversation might be different. But as things stand, putting Delane in a zone-heavy scheme would likely limit his impact and development-not exactly what you want from a top-10 pick.
This doesn’t mean Delane won’t be a star at the next level. In the right system, he has all the tools to thrive.
It just means that the Saints, as currently constructed, might be better off looking elsewhere with their first-round selection. Whether that means targeting another position of need on offense or finding a defensive player who better fits their scheme, the goal should be maximizing value-and putting players in a position to succeed.
Drafting local talent always makes for a great story, especially when the fit is right. But in this case, the Saints would be wise to prioritize scheme compatibility over sentiment.
Delane is a top-tier prospect, no doubt about it. He just might not be the right match for what New Orleans needs from its secondary in 2026 and beyond.