Mansoor Delane ‘gave up’ 1 catch on a pick play but was pretty much perfect outside of that. 8 targets/1 reception. So smooth in man coverage pic.twitter.com/r9uDoJZ56L
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) September 1, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs might play Trent McDuffie on the boundary this year to cover for their lack of high-end play at cornerback. McDuffie’s most impactful role is as a nickel. To strengthen their defense long-term, the Chiefs should pursue more help at outside corner through the 2026 NFL draft to complement free agent signee Kristian Fulton and rookie Nohl Williams.
LSU Tigers cornerback Mansoor Delane made his case to be viewed among the elite cornerback prospects in the upcoming draft by locking down the Clemson Tigers on Saturday night. He only allowed one reception on eight targets and finished the night with an interception and two passes defensed.
Delane smothered fade routes, staying on top of Clemson’s receivers and preventing them from gaining separation. The Virginia Tech transfer effortlessly matched the receivers’ tempo in press-man. Clemson’s best pass catchers failed to test Delane’s speed downfield, although the team’s best receiver, Antonio Williams, missed most of the game.
Delane also found success operating at the short to intermediate levels. He broke up two slants. Delane played outside leverage on both reps but stuck in the receiver’s back hip. This allowed him to make plays on the football. Many corners struggle to stay attached through the sharp in-breaking cut on slants, but Delane made the process look easy.
Delane also offers value in zone coverage. His burst and top speed make him a threat to undercut routes, and his ability to sift through route combinations helps him stay poised when faced with flooded zones.
Delane lacked ideal aggression and instincts to capitalize on his physical gifts in 2024, but he looked like a much more complete player against Clemson.
Delane entered the season as a projected top 64 pick. His elite performance in Week 1 against a talented Clemson offense suggests he could emerge as this year’s breakout prospect at cornerback. Replicating his success against Clemson won’t be easy, but a few more games of that caliber of play could vault Delane into the first round conversation.