Mansoor Delane grew up rooting for John Harbaugh’s teams, and could play for one

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Mansoor Delane grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland as a fan of the Baltimore Ravens. So, when he had a chance this week to meet New York Giants coach John Harbaugh at the NFL Scouting Combine was special.

“Seeing Coach Harbaugh, I’m from Maryland, so I’m a Ravens guy, so I just told him personally that it’s just a surreal moment to be in the same room with him, and it was just a great meeting,” Delane said.

Could Delane end up playing cornerback for Harbaugh’s Giants in 2026? That certainly seems like a possibility.

The No. 8-ranked prospect on the Sports Info Solutions big board, Delane will be the first cornerback selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. If the Giants cannot re-sign free agent Cor’Dale Flott they will have a hole to fill. The 6-foot, 190-pound 22-year-old might be the player to fill it.

Delane was asked on Thursday why he felt his was the best cornerback in this draft class. His answer was direct:

“Put the film on.”

Delane wants to dictate rather than react to a wide receiver.

“I’m going to bring the fight to you,” he said. “The receiver lines up, and you’re going to do what I want you to do, rather than you dictating my game.

“If I play nickel, play safety I play it to my strengths.”

When you watch cornerbacks play, it is clear that some of them would rather avoid a tackle than try to make one. Delane is different.

“If I had the choice I’d play middle linebacker,” Delane said. “I love the physicality, I love tackling, I love being in the box.

“A lot of corners might be scared to tackle, but I love it.”

Maybe that love of physicality comes from Delane having been on the wrestling team at Landon High School in Bethesda.

Delane also calls himself “a studier of the game.”

“I just want to be a sponge. I just want to learn from guys. I think that’s the biggest thing for me,” Delane said. “I’d like to surround myself with high-caliber talent that I just soak up and try to bring and add new things to my game. So, I’d love to be a part of something where people are high-caliber players.”

Mansoor Delane scouting report

This comes from The Ringer’s draft guide:

Delane is a big-impact defender with a knack for making plays on the ball. A transfer to LSU in 2025 after playing three seasons at Virginia Tech, he is a tough and physical cornerback who excels at several types of coverage looks. He loves crowding receivers at the line, and he mirrors effortlessly in press coverage. He’s very comfortable in off-coverage schemes, too, where he can utilize a half-turn technique and keep his eyes on the quarterback. He positions himself well, showing an understanding of spacing and reading route combinations. He flashes anticipation in coverage, frequently jumping routes to make a play. He stifles opponents at the catch point: He undercuts routes, rakes through opponents’ arms so they can’t finish the catch, and generally does all he can to make things very difficult for the receiver to complete the catch. That has translated to consistent production: He racked up two picks and 11 passes defensed for the Tigers in 2025, per PFF, with no touchdowns surrendered in coverage. And in three seasons at Virginia Tech, he picked off six passes, notched 16 passes defensed, and forced four fumbles. Delane’s versatility also stands out; he has seen snaps at outside corner, over the slot, in the box, and at free safety during his college career. 

Delane has a slim frame and lacks length. He can be a little too grabby down the field and will need to play with more discipline at the next level. His aggressive nature in coverage could make him susceptible to double moves. He needs to be more consistent about wrapping up and finishing tackles.

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