Former LSU Tigers lockdown corner Mansoor Dealne is now projected as the top defensive back in the NFL Draft, showcasing elite shutdown ability despite injury.
LSU Tigers star cornerback Mansoor Delane was unable to win the Jim Thorpe Award over Ohio State Buckeyes star safety Caleb Downs, but there is one honor still up for grabs: the first defensive back taken in the 2026 NFL draft.
For a while, it seemed that Downs would end up being the first defensive back taken and go within the top-10 picks. Now, as the draft gets closer, it doesn't seem as much of a lock.
There are a few mock drafts that, when released, tend to reset the minds of the draft community. One of those is NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah.
Jeremiah recently released his 1.0 mock and in it, had Delane going No. 5 overall to the New York Giants. Downs went No. 11 to the Miami Dolphins and was actually the third defensive back taken after Tennessee Volunteers corner Jermod McCoy, who went a pick before to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Now, this doesn't absolutely lock in that Delane could be the first defensive back taken, but it is a stark reminder that it could still happen. It would be a big deal for the Tigers as they try to reclaim the 'DBU' mantle after a few years of defense not living up to that honor.
Delane would certainly be deserving of the honor. He shut down his half of the field all year long in a performance that was reminiscent of the days of Darrelle Revis and "Revis Island."
Per Pro Football Focus, Delane allowed just 13 catches on 34 targets over 358 pass coverage snaps. He finished with two interceptions and seven passes defended. Those numbers would have been higher, but quarterbacks really did not want to test him.
Only making it more impressive was the fact that he did it all while dealing with a core muscle injury that he suffered in Week 4.
Many believed that Delane should have won the Thorpe Award, but it instead went to Downs.
Downs finished the year with 68 tackles, five for a loss and one sack, with two interceptions and one pass breakup. He allowed 26 catches on 39 targets in 365 coverage snaps.
The Buckeyes' safety is an elite player and had a great year, but it felt a bit more like he was being given the honor for his career rather than just the one year, as Delane arguably had the more impressive season.
The NFL draft will start on April 23, and both players will hear their names called on Day 1.