It feels like just yesterday the sky was falling because the New York Giants decided to double their win total in the last two games of the season, blowing their chances at the No. 1 overall pick in the process.
That what-could-have-been universe is gone. It exists in another dimension for now. In our real world, the G-Men hold the No. 5 pick in the draft, with a decision that feels already made months before the spectacle even begins.
John Harbaugh hasn’t exactly hidden his love for defensive backs in recent drafts, taking three in the first round over his last four. Hiring Dennard Wilson as defensive coordinator only reinforces the trend -- Wilson carries a reputation for developing elite secondaries. It’s almost like Harby’s been laying the groundwork to target one very specific prospect this April.
Interestingly enough, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah all but confirmed he’s a mind-reader in his latest mock draft, projecting LSU’s stud cornerback, Mansoor Delane, to the Giants at No. 5 overall:
"The Giants could add a receiver later in the draft -- it's a deep class at the position -- but Delane would immediately be their most talented cornerback."
LSU’s Mansoor Delane emerges as perfect fit for John Harbaugh’s Giants
A lot of mock drafts have the G-Men going wide receiver or offensive line at No. 5 to support second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart, but maybe it’s time Giants fans start getting comfortable with another position.
Related: John Harbaugh leaves no doubt about Jaxson Dart in 7-round mock draft
The Delane train has left the station, and is coming to a television in the tri-state area... potentially.
It's not hard to see why Jeremiah mocked the 22-year-old to Big Blue. The secondary has been a nightmare in recent years, looking more like Swiss cheese than a legitimate football unit. Deonte Banks is a bust. Paulson Adebo swindled Joe Schoen out of $54 million last offseason, and their best corner, Cor'Dale Flott, is about to hit the open market. Addressing the No. 1 CB need is a must this offseason.
That’s where Delane comes in. The 6-foot, 190-pound DB is the best cover and press corner in this draft class. Fortunately for the LSU standout, Wilson’s defensive scheme is built to showcase exactly that style of play.
He’s smooth, physical, and aggressive without being reckless. Even while battling injuries in 2025, he led the SEC in passes defended and earned unanimous All-American honors. He’s not perfect (flag risk, occasional deep-ball lapses), but the lockdown potential is very real.
That’s why he makes so much sense for Wilson. The 43-year-old's scheme leans heavy on press coverage and smart disguise, both of which play to Delane’s strengths. He’s a set-it-and-forget-it starter who upgrades the cornerback room Day 1. Pair him with Flott, and suddenly the Giants have something interesting on the back end.
Cornerback stock is hot right now. Don’t be surprised if Harbaugh hired Wilson with a plan: draft with conviction and take Mansoor Delane at No. 5 over flashier picks. Daniel Jeremiah certainly seems to know... think so.