Cat Scratch Reader
Even though the 2025 NFL season just started, it’s never too early to look ahead toward the 2026 NFL Draft. This weekly series will take a closer look at some of the prospects the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2026 iteration of the Draft. In this series, we’ll only be looking at prospects the Panthers could seriously consider. This week our profile will focus on LSU Tigers cornerback Mansoor Delane.
Hailing from Silver Springs, MD, Delane actually spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career at Virginia Tech, immediately becoming an impact player as a true freshman for the Hokies’ defense. After the 2024 season, he was projected as a mid round selection, pushing him to forego his entry into the NFL Draft and instead transfer to DBU. So far this season, Delane has been one of the few bright spots for the Tigers in what has essentially become a lost season.
Delane has pretty good size for a corner at 6’0”, 190 lbs. His positional versatility has been paramount to his success, as he shows the elite traits of a corner while bringing the mentality of a safety against the run. He has exceptional fluidity in his hips and above average speed for the position, helping him thrive in Virginia Tech’s zone scheme and LSU’s man coverage scheme. Delane has also shown incredible football IQ, allowing him to use his elite instincts to process and diagnose the play at an extraordinary rate.
Delane’s weaknesses are not actual weaknesses, just not exactly strengths. He is a little on the light side at 190 lbs, his arm length is nothing to write home about, and his deep speed is only good enough. He can also be a bit over-aggressive at times.
Delane’s brain and versatility will likely get him on the field quickly and often in the NFL. He has spent time at outside corner, nickel, and safety during his college career, and he has the football smarts to run complex schemes. While he won’t blow anyone away with his athletic profile, he should be able to add some bulk to his frame at the next level. If he can add some strength, he’ll better be able to handle the bigger NFL receivers.
While the Panthers might have more glaring needs this April, cornerback could be a position they decide to invest even more in. Mike Jackson is a serviceable option opposite Jaycee Horn, but he is turning 29 in January and has his own limitations. Behind the top two corners, the Panthers really only have Chau Smith-Wade and Corey Thornton, the former limited by his height and the latter being an UDFA. Evero, assuming he is still the defensive coordinator next season, would probably like Delane’s versatility and ability to understand route combinations in zone coverage.
What do you think, Panthers fans? If Mansoor Delane is available when the Panthers select in the 2026 NFL Draft, should they take him? Sound off...
