We have entered NFL mock draft season, with pundits all peering into their crystal ball trying to figure out what pro franchises need and which collegians across the country will fulfill those needs.
The NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah offered up his 2026 Mock Draft 1.0 on Monday, gauging how the live draft will go when it gets underway April 23 in Pittsburgh. And in said mock draft, Jeremiah tabs former LSU defensive back Mansoor Delane as the No. 5 overall selection by the New York Giants.
“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,” Jeremiah wrote.
Delane became only LSU’s fourth defensive back to earn consensus All-American honors after a stellar 2025 season. Rarely targeted by opposing quarterbacks, Delane allowed just 13 catches for 147 yards over 11 games and 358 pass coverage snaps. Delane totaled 45 tackles and led the SEC in passes defended (13) and passes broken up (11).
The Giants have a new head coach in John Harbaugh and new defensive coordinator in Dennard Wilson – and will be looking to add quality depth their defensive backs room as well. The Giants should have 2023 first-rounder Deonte Banks and veteran Paulson Adebo, with Dane Belton and Dru Phillips also returning.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
