LSU CB Mansoor Delane projected as top corner in 2026 NFL mock drafts

We're hours away from the 2026 NFL Draft. LSU football is no stranger to the first round. Throughout the years, the Tigers have sent a handful of top prospects to the league, many of whom have gone on to be stars.

2025 was a down year for the Tigers, but LSU still has one prospect projected to go in the first round. LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane is viewed as the top corner in this year's draft class and is expected to be selected fairly early on Thursday night.

LSU has a proud tradition of producing top-level defensive backs. Few schools can match LSU's volume of secondary talent this century. The reputation is well earned with players like Tyrann Mathieu and Patrick Peterson earning All-American honors at LSU before going on to have lengthy NFL careers. Delane, who was a consensus All-American in 2025, hopes to follow in their footsteps.

Let's take a look at where Delane is slotted in the latest NFL mock drafts.

USA TODAY -- Dallas Cowboys, No. 12

USA TODAY's latest mock slots Delane to the Dallas Cowboys with the No. 12 overall pick. The Cowboys need defensive help at every level and Dallas' strategy may just be to take the best defender available. It's not hard to see a scenario where Delane fits that billing.

"The Cowboys should be ecstatic if any of the draft's top-six defensive players slide to the 12th overall selection. Delane is the consensus No. 1 cornerback, amid 's injury concerns, and allowed just a 31.3 passer rating in his final season at LSU."