FanSided's most recent three-round 2026 NFL mock draft has the New York Giants spending the No. 5 overall pick on standout LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. That would be a tremendous win for general manager Joe Schoen and Co.
Delane figures to be a cornerstone for whatever franchise winds up with him for years to come. His lockdown potential was on full display as a senior at LSU; he will be a hot commodity near the top of the board in April. The Giants won't be the only club to do their due diligence on the 22-year-old.
In fact, the Giants may not even be the sole squad in the Empire State (technically New Jersey, but you get the idea) eyeing Delane. Their hometown rivals, the New York Jets, have the means and need to beat them to the punch, and that outcome hardly feels far-fetched.
Giants might be at risk of losing LSU star CB Mansoor Delane to hometown rival NY Jets
Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski labeled the Jets as the "ideal fit" for Delane, which makes a ton of sense. The team's decision to trade star cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts has left a massive void on the outside.
Gang Green notably holds the second selection. Like their stadium mate, they have a glaring hole in the secondary that can be patched with Delane. Put two and two together, and it's easy to envision this unfolding into a scenario in which the Jets foil the Giants' plans.
Meanwhile, Big Blue can greatly benefit from landing Delane. He'd all but render 2023 first-round flop Deonte Banks expendable. Not to mention, Giants veteran corner Cordale Flott is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason and will command a respectable market.
The Giants have a promising young secondary and recently hired longtime defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson as their new defensive coordinator. Yet, they lack a true shutdown option on the boundary that aligns with his press-man-heavy scheme. Delane profiles as the high-upside bump-and-run playmaker this group is missing.
It only took one season at LSU after transferring from Virginia Tech for Delane to reach new heights. He recorded 45 tackles, 11 pass deflections and two interceptions across 11 games. His efforts earned him Consensus All-American honors and a finalist bid for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is presented to the nation's best defensive back.