Mansoor Delane could be NFL Draft steal for Lions in Round 1

Draft month, finally, has arrived.

Continuing our series, which began earlier this month and will run until the 2026 NFL Draft begins on April 23, The Detroit News will spotlight one prospect a day who could be a first-round fit for the Detroit Lions, who own the 17th overall pick. Assuming the Lions don't trade out, it'll be their highest selection since running back Jahmyr Gibbs went No. 12 in 2023.

Today's focus is on LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane.

Mansoor Delane stats

▶ 31.3 opponent passer rating when targeted in 2025

▶ 8 career interceptions

▶ 191 combined tackles over four college seasons

▶ 4.38-second 40-yard dash

Mansoor Delane career background

Delane was a three-star recruit via 247 Sports' composite ranking out of Archbishop Spalding High School in Severn, Maryland. He was the No. 651 prospect overall, the No. 15 prospect from Maryland, and the No. 59 cornerback in the 2022 class. He also wrestled in high school. He accepted an offer from Virginia Tech over several Big Ten schools, including Michigan State.

Delane played eight games as a freshman and impressed in 401 defensive snaps. He made 38 tackles with 3½ tackles for loss, and just one missed tackle, showcasing what would be one of his strengths coming into the league. He was ultra-sticky in coverage, allowing just 16 completions on 35 attempts for an opposing passer rating of 66.3.

During his sophomore season (2023), Delane started 13 games for the Hokies. His play over his last two years at Virginia Tech didn't quite reach the heights he achieved as a freshman. He had 54 tackles with 14 stops in each of the next two seasons, but his missed tackle rate jumped to 16.2% in 2023. He settled that down in 2024, lowering the rate to 9.4%.

In coverage, Delane's second and third seasons took a step back, too. His opposing passer rating was above 80 in both seasons, and he was called for six penalties in that span. He was Second Team All-ACC in 2024, however, after pulling down four interceptions.

For his final year of college, Delane jumped into the transfer portal. He was ranked as a four-star transfer via 247Sports, the No. 15 cornerback and the 111th player overall. He joined LSU, where he cemented himself as a first-round pick.