Chiefs new star cornerback Mansoor Delane confirms exactly what LSU Tigers fans already know when it comes to the NFL Draft
Mansoor Delane was the first cornerback selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. This shouldn’t surprise anyone, especially LSU fans. Delane may have only played one year in Baton Rouge, but he continues the Tigers’ long tradition of dominant defensive back play. This, of course, further solidifies LSU’s status as “DB U”.
The Kansas City Chiefs shocked the football world by aggressively trading up for former LSU Tigers star cornerback Mansoor Delane on Thursday night. The Chiefs were set to pick ninth overall in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft heading into draft night, but they weren’t going to sit on their hands.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach and the Cleveland Browns had been engaged in talks all day to get this deal done. When Delane was still there, the Chiefs pounced. Seeing Delane come off the board as the first defensive back in the 2026 NFL Draft wasn’t surprising, but the trade-up certainly caught many fans and analysts off guard.
Not LSU fans, though. No. Tigers fans already understand the legacy of their university. So really, Delane’s selection at six just confirms what LSU Tigers fans already know about their favorite team. They’re the “DB U” of today, most every other university is just trying to catch up.
Mansoor Delane confirms LSU Tigers’ status as “DB U” in the NFL Draft
Delane was already a phenomenal player prior to transferring in from Virginia Tech, but he took his game to a whole new level this past year as an LSU Tiger.
He allowed a completion rate of just 40% when targeted last year – only 14 receptions given up all year long. On top of that, quarterbacks posted a 31.3 passer rating when targeting Delane in coverage. That’s worse than just tossing the ball straight into the ground (a generic incomplete pass is about 39.6).
Delane finished up his illustrious career by winning All-American honors and is now a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Delane’s first-round status further pads the stats for the LSU Tigers and their legacy as “DB U” (defensive back university).
There are a few schools who are definitely in competition with LSU for the DB U title, but it’s hard to argue with the Tigers resting atop the list. LSU has sent 56 defensive backs to be selected in the NFL Draft since it began in 1936. 32 since the year 2000. 15 in just the last decade alone (tied for second with Penn State and Ohio State as of Thursday, trailing only Alabama).
LSU is also tied for second in sending the most defensive backs to be selected in the first round over the last ten years (trailing only Ohio State). They are still second in most top-100 overall draft picks (trailing only Ohio State) since the beginning of NFL Draft history.
Not only have the Tigers dominated the NFL Draft, but when their players make it to the NFL they continue to destroy the competition, finding success and long careers. Delane will likely now do the same, immediately becoming a starter for the Chiefs in year one. Good luck, Mansoor.
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