Giants Go Defense in Early Mock: LSU’s Mansoor Delane Projected at No. 5
We’re still in the early stages of draft season, but a consensus has already started to form around the New York Giants’ intentions with the fifth overall pick: get Jaxson Dart some help at wide receiver. It makes sense. The Giants’ offense lacked firepower last year, and with a deep class of pass-catchers, many expect them to strike early.
But in his first mock draft of the cycle, NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah goes against the grain - and shifts the spotlight to the other side of the ball. Instead of arming Dart with another weapon, Jeremiah has the Giants bolstering their secondary by selecting LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane.
Why Delane Makes Sense for the Giants
Let’s start with this: Delane isn’t just a solid prospect - he’s one of the top defensive players in the country. After transferring from Virginia Tech to LSU, Delane put together a standout season and established himself as arguably the best cornerback in college football. That title might come with a slight caveat due to Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy missing time with injury, but Delane’s résumé stands on its own.
Over the last two seasons, he’s racked up 18 pass breakups and six interceptions - production that jumps off the page. But it’s not just about numbers.
Delane brings versatility, having played in a wide range of coverages across two programs. That adaptability could be a huge asset for Giants defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, who values schematic flexibility on the back end.
If Delane does land in New York, he’d likely step in right away as their most talented corner. That’s not a knock on Paulson Adebo or Cor’Dale Flott, but Delane’s upside is real. He’s physical, instinctive, and has the kind of ball skills that can flip games.
The Flott Factor: Free Agency Could Shape the Draft
Of course, the Giants’ offseason plan doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Free agency comes before the draft, and what they do with Cor’Dale Flott could be telling.
If they let him walk, it would signal a clear need at corner - and make a pick like Delane even more logical. But if they re-sign Flott and still go corner at No. 5, it could create a bit of a logjam in the secondary.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Depth at corner is a luxury in today’s NFL, where nickel and dime packages are standard and injuries are inevitable. But spending a top-five pick on a player who might not start right away would raise some eyebrows, especially if elite receivers are still on the board.
There’s also the matter of draft-day unpredictability. The Giants sit at No. 5, and they can’t control what the three teams ahead of them do. If Delane is their guy and he goes before their pick, they’ll need a contingency plan - whether that’s pivoting to a receiver, trading back, or addressing another need.
Bottom Line
Mansoor Delane to the Giants might not be the flashy move fans are expecting, but it could be the smart one. He’s a high-floor, high-ceiling player who could anchor the secondary for years to come. And with a deep receiver class, the Giants could still find Dart a weapon later in the draft.
For now, it’s just one mock. But it’s a reminder that while offense sells tickets, defense still wins games - and the Giants might be thinking long-term when they’re on the clock this spring.