Friday Feature #2: Mansoor Delane
In LSU football's season-opening win vs. Clemson, LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane proved he's one of the best DBs in the country. His INT in the 3rd quarter helped seal an impressive defensive performance and leave LSU among the favourites to get back to the SEC title game for the first time since 2022. He has gone from strength to strength, following that Week 1 display and appears to be a Round 1 lock at this stage. For more details on why, check out my detailed scouting report below:
Background & Measurables
Name: Mansoor Delane
Year: Senior
Size: 6’0, 190 pounds
Position/Scheme Fit: Outside corner in a versatile scheme
Former 3-star recruit out of Severn, Maryland, Delane committed to the Virginia Tech Hokies. He played CB and Safety while in HS, excelling at both. He is the older brother of 4-star safety Faheem Delane, who signed with Ohio State out of high school as the #1 safety prospect in the nation this year. In 2022, he played in 8 and had 4 starts as a True Freshman. Had 2 tackles, including 1 for a loss, on his first 2 collegiate snaps. The following year, he became the full-time starter at CB, and recorded 54 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and an interception. Included in that was a strong performance vs NC State, where he had 8 tackles, with one TFL.
He was rewarded with Third Team All-ACC honors in 2024, having started all 12 games. He tallied 54 tackles, 11 PBUs and 4 INTs, most of which were career highs for him. Following the season, he entered the transfer portal as the #15 CB and signed with the LSU Tigers, where he has done nothing but boost his draft stock. A big game vs Ole Miss this weekend is on tap for the former Virginia Tech standout.
Detailed Scouting Report
Strengths
1. Has excellent length to play man coverage outside. Long limbs allow him to compete at the catch point consistently, despite only being 6'0.
2. Exceptional ball skills. Had 4 INTs last year and has already started the 2025 season with an INT and 4 PBUs. Always seems to be around the ball in tight coverage.
3. Good physicality to redirect receivers on their routes. Not afraid to use his hands for leverage, and while he might give up the occasional penalty (4 in 2024), you can live with it to a certain extent because of the overall skill level.
4. Not shy of putting his head into making a tackle when needed. Good form to wrap with long limbs and some functional strength to knock WRs and RBs back in the open field.
5. Strong instincts to sniff out comebacks and choice routes back to the QB. Good closing speed to get to the receiver on time and avoid giving up much YAC.
Development Points
1. Not as comfortable operating in zone coverage. Gives up too big a cushion on some Cover 4 plays and allows receivers wide-open windows in which to operate.
2. Doesn't change direction as quickly as you'd want on deep slants inside. Played some deep free safety vs Miami and struggled to read in-breakers, giving up a big TD. Better suited to a role on the outside.
3. Can improve the consistency of his open-field tackling. Decent tackler coming downhill on screens or in the box, but when asked to make tackles in the open field, his technique can waver.
4. Can communicate better on switch releases. A few examples of him either getting rubbed or running with the wrong receiver, leaving sections of the field wide open for easy completions.
Conclusion
Delane is among the most-talked-about DBs in the country, following a dominant display vs Clemson in Week 1. The former Virginia Tech cover man was excellent in coverage and showcased his rare ball skills, both of which are consistent with his time with the Hokies. He should stick at outside corner, due to some change of direction limitations when operating in the slot. If he can clean up his communication and continue his upward trajectory, Delane will be a Day-1 lock next April.
Grade: 7.0/9.0 (1st round grade)
Player Comp: Shavon Revel Jr.
Team Fits: Eagles, Patriots, Vikings, Rams