Bengals' last-second visit with top name hints at NFL draft plans

TL;DR

The Cincinnati Bengals are set to meet with top NFL draft prospect Mansoor Delane, a cornerback from LSU, as part of their final evaluations before the draft. Delane has been linked to the Bengals in multiple mock drafts, highlighting their need for an upgrade in the secondary.

The Cincinnati Bengals will get their chance to spend time with one of the top prospects in the upcoming draft, and a player who has been heavily connected to the Bengals in recent mock drafts.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Monday the Bengals are among a handful of teams, along with the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders, who will meet with LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. These will be the final three visits for Delane before the draft. The last day for teams to meet with players at their facilities is Wednesday, April 15.

Rapoport notes this is at least ten known visits now for Delane, who has also met with the Miami Dolphins and New York Giants. Of the five teams mentioned here, all are picking in the top 14 in the first round. The Bengals hold the No. 10 overall pick, behind the Giants (No. 5) and Commanders (No. 7). They are ahead of the Dolphins (No. 11) and Ravens (No. 14).

There have been numerous mock drafts in recent weeks sending Delane to Cincinnati, who have been marked as team needing an upgrade at the position and looking for a potential shutdown player on the outside. Delane has flashed that potential during his time at LSU and Virginia Tech. He was an All-American last season for LSU, his first season with the Tigers after transferring from Virginia Tech.

This is the time of year where teams throw smokescreens like there's no tomorrow. But there has been a lot of connections over the last few weeks that it's fair to wonder if cornerback is actually the direction the Bengals end up going, whether that's Delane or Tennessee's Jermod McCoy, with the 10th pick. The only notable addition thus far at corner for the Bengals this offseason is former Chargers and Jets cornerback Ja'Sir Taylor, and he will likely be more inside than outside. Dax Hill and DJ Turner II are currently penciled in as the starters.

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals' last-second visit with top name hints at NFL draft plans

Q&A

What teams are meeting with Mansoor Delane before the NFL draft?

The Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, and Washington Commanders are among the teams meeting with Mansoor Delane before the draft.

What is Mansoor Delane's draft status and background?

Mansoor Delane is a highly regarded cornerback who was an All-American at LSU after transferring from Virginia Tech, and he is projected to be selected in the top 14 picks of the NFL draft.

Where do the Bengals stand in the NFL draft order?

The Cincinnati Bengals hold the No. 10 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft.