The Cowboys have a realistic chance to welcome new defensive coordinator with the perfect gift in the 2026 NFL Draft
The Dallas Cowboys pick No. 12 in the NFL Draft, and CB Mansoor Delane fits any scheme.
We still don’t know who will be the next Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator following the firing of Matt Eberflus. But what we do know is the front office will need to do a better job of finding talent for him.
And with the No. 12 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, they have a great chance of doing so with a prospect that makes sense regardless of scheme: LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane.
Best CB in the Draft?
Many experts consider Delane to be the top cornerback in this year’s class and watching his film, it’s easy to see why. After reviewing two games (Clemson, Florida), here is some of the positives you see that make him an enticing option for the Cowboys in the first round:
- He’s like superglue in man coverage, sticking with receivers all the way and often running the routes for them.
- He doesn’t panic at the line of scrimmage as opponent wide receivers try to create space with their release. His footwork is A+ and he rarely gets beat at the release.
- He’s physical but will avoid penalties thanks to his outstanding ability to turn around and play the ball.
- Though he’s a beast in man coverage, he can play zone very well and shows ability to pass of routes and adjust mid-play.
- He’s a willing tackler, though I didn’t see many plays from him in this area.
The concerns people have about Delane are mostly about his size and frame, as he’s listed at six-feet tall and 190 pounds. Additionally, he doesn’t have elite speed but rarely does it show up as a problem on film thanks to his coverage ability.
Based on hat you see from him in both zone and man, Delane would be the perfect welcome gift for any defensive coordinator the Cowboys bring in. But will he be available? You never know with the Draft, but early data suggests he’s a very realistic option.
Delane is a realistic option
A lot chan change from here until April, but we’re already in the thick of Draft intel season. And one of the best tools out there is Grinding the Mocks, a website attempting to predict the Draft “through mock drafts, the wisdom of the crowds, and data science.”
According to it, Mansoor Delane is projected to be picked at precisely the No. 12 pick. It’s going to be close but the Cowboys appear to have a chance. Based on what we know so far though, choosing him at No. 20 is almost out of the question.
The Cowboys admitted earlier in the month that they viewed secondary as one of their two biggest priorities alongside linebacker. With Trevon Diggs out of the picture after another struggling year and DaRon Bland facing foot surgery for the second consecutive year, cornerback needs to be a priority.
Delane should be a priority come the 2026 NFL Draft.
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