NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah releases first mock draft
We are officially less than three months away from the 2026 NFL Draft. The pre-draft process is already underway with the East-West Shrine Bowl and the Senior Bowl taking place this week. Then in a few short weeks, the NFL world will converge in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine.
While there are still some major events to come in the lead up to the draft, some of the industry’s top analysts have begun releasing their original predictions for April’s festivities.
The latest to do so is NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, who projected LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane to the Giants with the fifth overall pick in his first mock draft of the year.
“The Giants could add a receiver later in the draft since there is a deep class at the position, but Delane would immediately be their most talented cornerback,” wrote Jeremiah.
Delane began his collegiate career at Virginia Tech, where he played from 2022-24. Across those three seasons, the 6-feet, 190-pound cornerback registered six interceptions and 16 passes defensed in 33 games with the Hokies.
His best campaign at Virginia Tech was in 2024, when he had four interceptions and seven pass breakups on his way to being named third-team All-ACC.
He then transferred to LSU for the 2025 season, where he put together his strongest overall campaign. Delane started 11 games for the Tigers and finished the year with 45 tackles (26 solo), two interceptions and 11 passes defensed.
Delane earned Unanimous All-American honors as well as first-team All-SEC selection.
Here are the first five selections in Jeremiah’s mock draft.
Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Arizona Cardinals – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Tennessee Titans – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
New York Giants – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU