Potential Saints NFL Draft target sends clear message without saying a word at LSU pro day
He could be the Saints’ first-round pick now.
Pro days and the NFL Scouting Combine always affect draft stock. For LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, his stock is on the rise, and the New Orleans Saints could have legitimate interest in him by the time late April rolls around.
Delane had some of the best coverage numbers in college football a season ago, and his pure athletic abilities are showing up now as well.
LSU CB Mansoor Delane dominates at pro day to boost draft stock
The projected first-round cornerback, and potential top defensive back of the board, ran a 4.38 at LSU’s pro day on Monday. Delane’s athletic performance only confirmed his status as a player expected to go in the first twelve picks of this year’s draft.
For the Saints, it became a bit more of a reality for them to take him with the eighth overall pick. Cornerback hasn’t been a popular pick for them in mock drafts, but it would make sense if they believe he has star potential.
Quincy Riley impressed as a rookie in 2025, and Kool-Aid McKinstry continues to improve. That being said, neither are proven CB1 options that would prevent you from adding a player of Delane’s caliber, if they believe it is the correct value at position of need.
Plus, Alontae Taylor left the Saints to join the Tennessee Titans during free agency, so the Saints could still look to add a defensive back to play the STAR position in Brandon Staley’s unit.
Delane also worked with Saints CBs coach Grady Brown during the pro day activities. There is already a relationship there. Saints head coach Kellen Moore was not in attendance.
Evaluating Delane as a top prospect and potential pick for Saints
“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.” — Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports
Delane is the tenth-ranked prospect in the 2026 class, via A to Z’s prospect rankings.
New Orleans Saints News
Saints trade up for potential Pro Bowl level wide receiver to help Tyler Shough in latest 7-round mock draft for New Orleans
The Saints got aggressive in this scenario.
