Mansoor Delane — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Delane is a smothering presence outside with the ability to stay tight on all three levels and take the rock away.

A lot of mock drafts will have the Bengals drafting the best edge rusher available here with Trey Hendrickson's time in Cincinnati likely over. But the top three are off the board in this mock, which presents an interesting decision. The Bengals could try to bolster the interior of the defensive line, but drafting a cornerback with the skills to excel on the outside or in the slot might be more beneficial in the AFC North.

Delane was the best cornerback I studied in 2025, with feisty play at the line of scrimmage and excellent instincts in coverage. He doesn't have elite measurables (6-foot, 190 pounds), but Delane's timing and quickness on click-and-close plays stands out above the rest of the cornerback class.

A savvy, instinctive CB who excels in both off coverage and press man schemes, Delane is consistently in the WRs' back pocket on intermediate and vertical routes. He has a good understanding of route combinations, will drive on balls in front of him and is a reliable tackler in space.

Delane was one of the best cornerbacks in college football this past season. He earned a 90.7 PFF overall grade with an 89.1 PFF coverage grade in man coverage. His 74.4 PFF run-defense grade was also strong, a mark that never fell below 70.0 for his college career. He would be CB1 in Jeff Hafley's Miami defense.

Don't look at Delane's statistics (two interceptions) and instead see how he defended elite talent — according to PFF, he held opponents to just 14 catches for 165 yards all season. The Broncos don't necessarily need a corner, but they shouldn't pass up Delane if he's available.

Having just signed a contract extension, defensive coordinator Brian Flores needs a technician with a diverse game who can play man or zone from a bump-and-run or off position. Delane's versatility, instincts and awareness make him the perfect fit for a defense designed to create chaos for opponents with creative pre-snap disguises and exotic blitz patterns.

The Giants could add a receiver later in the draft -- it's a deep class at the position -- but Delane would immediately be their most talented cornerback.