Anthony Rivardo
The New York Giants’ front office has been busy this offseason, overhauling the linebacker room and special teams, adding more wide receiver talent, and reuniting John Harbaugh with some of his foundational pieces from Baltimore. However, amidst the roster turnover, a massive crater has formed in the secondary.
The departure of Cor’Dale Flott, who cashed in on a career year with a three-year, $45 million deal from the Titans, has left the Giants’ cornerback room looking dangerously thin. With only unproven depth behind Paulson Adebo, the Giants might have to use a premium asset to find an upgrade at cornerback.
Giants Could Target LSU CB Mansoor Delane with 5th-Overall Pick
Dan Duggan of The Athletic recently threw fuel on that fire, noting that fans should “expect more chatter about the Giants using the fifth pick on a corner such as LSU’s Mansoor Delane.”
Most mock drafts have connected the Giants to prospects like Ohio State LB Sonny Styles, Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love, and Ohio State S Caleb Downs. But Delane is widely considered to be the top cornerback in this draft class. If the Giants want to address a specific need and upgrade at cornerback, Delane is an intriguing option.
The “Reach” vs. “Need” Dilemma
However, the buzz around Delane at No. 5 overall isn’t without its skeptics, as many draft analysts currently view the LSU star as a mid-to-late first-round talent rather than a top-five lock. Selecting a cornerback that high—especially one not universally regarded as a generational “blue-chip” prospect—could be a reach.
Most big boards have Delane ranked in the 12–20 range, suggesting the Giants might be better served by trading down to extract maximum value if they want to target the LSU cornerback. Taking him at five would see the Giants pass on other elite talents ranked higher on the board, like Love, Downs, or Styles. Passing on these prospects would be a move that carries immense pressure if Delane doesn’t quickly play like an All-Pro.
The Mansoor Delane “Lockdown” Profile
If the Giants want to maintain a physical, man-to-man identity in Dennard Wilson’s new defensive scheme, Mansoor Delane is the prototype. The LSU standout and Jim Thorpe Award finalist was a statistical anomaly in 2025, allowing a meager 31.3 passer rating when targeted—a number that Pro Football Focus notes is lower than if the quarterback had simply spiked the ball.
| Metric | 2025 Stats | National Rank |
| Passer Rating Allowed | 31.3 | Top 5 |
| Completion % Allowed | 38.2% | Elite |
| Interceptions | 2 | |
| Pass Breakups | 11 | Top 10 |
Standing 6’0” and 187 pounds, Delane proved his mettle in the SEC by allowing just 13 receptions for 147 yards across 358 coverage snaps. He is a unanimous All-American talent who rarely lets receivers create separation, making him a natural fit for a Harbaugh-led team that prioritizes trench warfare and lockdown coverage.
A Critical Void After the Flott’s Departure
The urgency to draft a corner at No. 5 overall stems directly from the vacuum left by Cor’Dale Flott’s exit. Flott was a revelation in 2025, allowing a microscopic 42.9% completion percentage in coverage, but Tennessee lured him away.
Without Flott, the Giants are currently staring at a depth chart where Paulson Adebo is CB1, and an open competition is forming at CB2 between Deonte Banks and Greg Newsome II. While Newsome is an intriguing, high-upside addition, he isn’t a bona fide starter. To survive in the NFC East, they need a premier boundary talent, and Delane represents the highest-ceiling option available in the 2026 class.
Is Delane a Pro-Ready Solution at CB?
Taking a cornerback at No. 5 could be a point of contention for Giants fans who have already fallen in love with prospects like Styles and Downs. And, if the Giants are going to reach to address a need, offensive guard is clearly their most critical hole on the roster.
However, the Giants are thin enough at cornerback to warrant the investment. Delane isn’t just a cover man; he offers run support with 191 career tackles, fitting the physical mold the Giants are chasing. If the Giants stay put at five, the LSU star might be the most “pro-ready” solution to one of their biggest needs.
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