Why Mansoor Delane Might Be the Cornerstone of the Giants’ Defensive Future
Just a few weeks ago, Giants fans were bracing for a top-of-the-draft overhaul, dreaming of the No. 1 overall pick and the possibilities that come with it. But after doubling their win total in the final two games of the season, New York finds itself holding the No. 5 pick instead - still a premium spot, but with a much different set of choices.
And while many mock drafts have linked the Giants to a wide receiver or offensive lineman - logical moves to support second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart - there’s growing buzz around a different direction. One that’s less about flash and more about fixing a longstanding problem: the secondary.
Enter Mansoor Delane.
The LSU standout is starting to feel like more than just a name on a draft board. He’s looking like the perfect fit for what John Harbaugh and newly hired defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson are building in New York.
Let’s connect the dots.
Harbaugh has shown a clear affinity for defensive backs in recent drafts - three first-round DBs in his last four? That’s not a coincidence.
And with Wilson now calling the shots on defense, the emphasis on elite secondary play is only going to grow. Wilson’s track record is built on developing physical, press-savvy corners who can hold up in man coverage and disguise looks in zone.
That’s Delane’s wheelhouse.
Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network seems to agree, projecting Delane to the Giants at No. 5 in his latest mock draft. And the rationale is hard to argue with: “Delane would immediately be their most talented cornerback.”
That’s not hyperbole. That’s a reflection of just how rough things have been in the Giants’ secondary.
Deonte Banks has struggled to live up to his first-round billing. Paulson Adebo, signed to a hefty contract last offseason, hasn’t delivered on the investment.
And Cor’Dale Flott - arguably the most consistent corner on the roster - is set to hit free agency. The cornerback room needs help.
Urgently.
Delane brings the kind of skill set that could stabilize the unit from Day 1. At 6-foot, 190 pounds, he’s the top press-and-cover corner in this class.
He plays with a smoothness that belies his physicality - aggressive at the line, but rarely out of control. Even while managing injuries in 2025, he led the SEC in passes defended and earned unanimous All-American honors.
That’s production and pedigree.
Sure, there are areas to clean up. He can get grabby downfield, and he’s had a few lapses on deep shots.
But the raw tools - footwork, instincts, physicality - are all there. And in Wilson’s scheme, which leans heavily on press coverage and smart pre-snap disguise, Delane’s strengths would be maximized.
This isn’t just a good fit. It’s a logical one.
The Giants have poured resources into their defensive front in recent years, but without a reliable secondary, it hasn’t translated to consistent stops. Adding Delane gives them a foundational piece in the back end - a corner who can shadow top receivers and allow the pass rush to get home.
And if Flott is re-signed, pairing him with Delane suddenly gives the Giants a legitimate tandem at cornerback. That’s something they haven’t had in years.
So while the temptation to go offense at No. 5 is real - especially in a draft class loaded with receiver talent - the smarter, more strategic play might be on the other side of the ball. Delane isn’t the flashiest pick, but he might be the most impactful one.
And if the Giants are serious about building a defense-first identity under Harbaugh and Wilson, this could be the move that sets the tone.