Potential Bengals NFL Draft target sends a clear message without saying a word at his pro day
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane just locked himself in as an early first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and the Cincinnati Bengals may be his new team.
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane is confirmed to be fast. Very, very fast.
Delane, who did not perform testing drills at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, clocked a 4.35 40-yard dash time Monday at LSU’s pro day.
Other scouts had him between 4.37 and 4.39 seconds, but no matter what time gets sent to the NFL, Delane made sure everyone knows he can scoot.
And the Cincinnati Bengals are sure to be listening.
Mansoor Delane just became a prime Bengals draft target
If there’s one thing Cincinnati loves in its early-round cornerbacks, it’s speed.
DJ Turner II and Dax Hill have become the defense’s starting duo after developing for a few years on the roster. Turner clocked a 4.26 40 time in 2023 before becoming a second-round pick. Hill, a first-rounder from 2022, came in at 4.38. Cam Taylor-Britt was selected after Hill and also ran a 4.38.
Delane is projected to be selected within the first 16 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft. He could end up as the first CB to come off the board when it’s all said and done.
Mansoor Delane Quick Facts
- 2025 Unanimous All-American
- Eight interceptions, 27 passes defensed in 44 career games
- Former high school wrestler
“Delane checks a lot of boxes as a prospect. He’s an experienced player with scheme versatility and tangible traits that make him a reliable corner. His wrestling background shows up in the run game and at the catch point, where he turns into a bulldog. There may be some concerns about his size and length, but the competitive will is evident with Delane. Few corners present the package of athleticism, long speed, and tenacity to play the run with as much effort as they do against the pass.” — A to Z Sports’ Rob Gregson
Delane’s 40 time should lock him in to the top-10 conversation. The Bengals are a virtual lock to address their defense with the No. 10 pick, and unless a pass rusher like Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., or one of the three Ohio State studs in Caleb Downs, Arvell Reese, or Sonny Styles falls that far, Delane could very well be the best player available for Cincy.
If confirming his athleticism was the final box needed to be checked, Delane checked it with bright red ink.
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