LSU DB Mansoor Delane Unlikely to Land with Saints in NFL Draft

Saints' defensive scheme doesn't fit Delane's strengths as a man coverage cornerback.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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According to Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox, the New Orleans Saints would be the worst landing spot for LSU defensive back Mansoor Delane in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Saints primarily run a zone coverage scheme, which doesn't align with Delane's strengths as a man coverage cornerback. Taking Delane 8th overall would put him in a situation where his best skills wouldn't be utilized much by the Saints' defense.

Why it matters

The Saints are looking to add an instant-impact starter in the first round, and cornerback is a position of need. However, Delane's scheme fit with the Saints makes him an unlikely selection, as the team would be better off taking a player who is a better match for their defensive system.

The details

The Saints utilized zone coverage just under 78% of the time last season, while running pure man coverage less than 16% of the time. Delane's strengths are as a man coverage cornerback, so the Saints' defensive scheme would not be an ideal fit for his skillset. If the Saints were running man coverage half the time, then Delane would be a much more suitable option for them in the first round.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Mansoor Delane

A top cornerback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft class, known for his strengths in man coverage.

New Orleans Saints

An NFL team that primarily runs a zone coverage defensive scheme, which doesn't align with Delane's skillset.

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What they’re saying

“The New Orleans Saints might not be that team.”

— Kristopher Knox, Bleacher Report Writer (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

The Saints will have to evaluate their options at cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft, weighing Delane's talent against the scheme fit.

The takeaway

While taking a local prospect like Delane would be a fun storyline, the Saints' defensive scheme makes him an unlikely first-round selection. The team would be better off targeting a cornerback who is a better schematic fit for their zone-heavy defense.