The Philadelphia Eagles and GM Howie Roseman find the missing piece for an elite secondary in latest 2026 NFL mock draft
The Philadelphia Eagles and GM Howie Roseman find the missing piece for an elite secondary in latest 2026 NFL mock draft
A big reason for the Philadelphia Eagles winning Super Bowl LIX last season was an elite defense, especially on the back end in the secondary. Rookie stars Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean combined with veterans Darius Slay and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to create a stellar overall group. That made things incredibly difficult for the passing attacks on last year’s schedule, especially with no clear weak link to exploit.
With Slay and Gardner-Johnson both leaving the team this offseason, general manager Howie Roseman and the Eagles staff were dealt the difficult task of replacing two good veterans. After Week One against the Dallas Cowboys, the early returns for the cornerback spot opposite Mitchell were less than promising. That could be a priority position for Philadelphia to fill this offseason.
In a recent 2026 NFL mock draft from Kyle Crabbs of A to Z Sports, he tackles the cornerback position for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. With the No. 28 overall selection in the first round, Crabbs had them selecting LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane.
Here is what Crabbs had to say about Delane, and his potential fit in Philadelphia.
28. Philadelphia Eagles – CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
LSU transfer Mansoor Delane was one of the defenders terrorizing Clemson QB Cade Klubnik in Week 1 of the college season. He’s known for his ball skills and coverage instincts, which coordinator Vic Fangio would almost certainly love to get his hands on to pair with Quinyon Mitchell.
This would give the team more flexibility in how they implement Cooper DeJean, be it as a safety, a nickel, or otherwise.
Mansoor is a player who nearly entered the 2025 NFL Draft class, but instead opted to return for his final year of eligibility. Formerly of the Virginia Tech Hokies, he decided to enter the Transfer Portal and eye other opportunities that are out there. After a ton of potential suitors pursuing Deland, he decided to spend that final year with the LSU Tigers. They were a team with a massive need in the secondary, and Delane filled that quickly.
The 2025 College Football season has just begun, but Delane has already made his impact felt. He was tremendous in the Tiger’s season-opening battle against the Clemson Tigers. During that contest, Delane managed to haul in an interception while also breaking up another two passes. At 5-11 and 195 pounds, he checks a lot of boxes from a pure talent perspective. Delane is an impressive cover man with both man and zone coverage upside on the next level.
Imagining a secondary with Delane, Michell, and DeJean is an exciting projection for the Eagles. Opposing offenses will once again have to choose their spots wisely. Delane would be a welcome addition to the city of Brotherly Love.
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