Bucky Brooks' mock draft lands LSU's Mansoor Delane, a defensive gem, to the Vikings. Could this versatile cornerback ignite their defense?
The Minnesota Vikings (9-8) are set for a pivotal 2026 NFL draft. According to one draft expert, the Vikings are getting a good player in the first one.
NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks is turning heads with one prediction. He has LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane falling to the Vikings at No. 18. Brooks described the pick in his mock draft selection.
"Having just signed a contract extension, defensive coordinator Brian Flores needs a technician with a diverse game who can play man or zone from a bump-and-run or off position. Delane's versatility, instincts and awareness make him the perfect fit for a defense designed to create chaos for opponents with creative pre-snap disguises and exotic blitz patterns."
Looking at the picks that came after Delane it seems evident that the LSU cornerback was the best available at No. 18. The lockdown college cornerback has a chance to make a huge impact in the NFL, and perhaps sooner than later.
It often takes cornerbacks and wide receivers a year or two to settle into the league, but we have seen success stories make an impact right away. That's not to say that Delane will or that a team is going to have as high hopes with the No. 18 pick as it will with the No. 10 pick. Nevertheless, there's reason for excitement if a player of his caliber falls to the Vikings.
Nov 15, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) reacts to a stop on fourth down against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Stephen Lew-Imagn ImagesFor some Vikings fans, the pick raises questions about how the team will improve on the offensive side. After all, it was the offense that lost the teams games last season, not the defense. Yet as we have mentioned, if Minnesota can add another starter caliber quarterback through trade or free agency, drafting a defensive player is not going to hurt the team in the first round.
Minnesota does lack at offensive line and may have room for improvement at tight end or in wide receiver depth depending on moves it makes or does not make over the next few months. It's uncertain which contributors the Vikings will be able to return. Albeit there is a reasonable explanation for why the team may opt to draft a defensive player.
Aside from drafting the best player available, adding a player like Delane strengthens a strength for the team: its defense. We will monitor whether or not defensive coordinator Brian Flores' return is rewarded with a defensive draft pick this offseason.