The Miami Dolphins enter the 2026 NFL Draft with needs at cornerback, defensive end, quarterback, wide receiver, tight end, guard and more.
First-year general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and first-year coach Jeff Hafley have no legitimate starting cornerbacks on the roster at the moment and will certainly consider LSU’s Mansoor Delane, if he is available with the 11th overall pick.
In our first mock draft of 2026, we did, in fact, select Delane for the Dolphins.
And in looking at mocks across the nation, Delane is one of the top five most popular picks for Miami.
Miami could look to re-sign veteran Rasul Douglas and/or Jack Jones and/or Kader Kohou.
The Dolphins do have Jason Marshall, Jr., JuJu Brents and Ethan Bonner on the roster.
The Dolphins will strongly consider selecting an offensive lineman or defensive lineman in the first round, as they are committed to bulking up in the trenches.
But cornerback is also a position of great value. And it’s possible Miami may be looking at a choice between Delane and fellow SEC cornerback Jermod McCoy at pick 11.
What is Mansoor Delane height and weight?
Mansoor Delane is 6-foot, 190 pounds.
Where is Mansoor Delane from?
Mansoor Delane is from Silver Spring, Maryland.
What are Mansoor Delane’s strengths?
“Delane is one of the most consistent players in this draft class,” says draft expert Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network. “He makes everything look easy in coverage as a corner who is extremely loose and fluid in his change of direction.”
Jeremiah says Delane is adept at press coverage, which Miami figures to use more of in 2026.
Jeremiah says he mirrors receivers, has instincts, awareness and ball skills. And Jeremiah says Mansoor is a physical, reliable tackler.
Draft expert Lance Zierlein of NFL.com says of Delane: “Smooth hips and efficient footwork keep him connected in man coverage, while his processing allows for quick transitions in off-man and short zone looks.”
Zierlein says Delane is a potential lockdown corner.
Delane began his career at Virginia Tech, where he had six interceptions in three seasons, before transferring to LSU, where he was rarely tested, but had two interceptions.
What are Mansoor Delane’s weaknesses?
Zierlein suggest Delane can he handsy, which would lead to penalties.
Zierlein says Delane can be more consistent on some deep throws.
What is Mansoor Delane’s NFL Draft projection?
Mansoor Delane is projected as a first-round pick, likely in the top half of the round.
Will the Miami Dolphins draft Mansoor Delane?
Mansoor Delane would be a slam-dunk selection by Sullivan.
Cornerback is a premium position and the consensus is Delane is going to be a very good pro.
Reports have suggested he is mature.
Would Miami consider trading down? Sure. Would Miami consider an offensive lineman or defensive lineman or edge rusher? Absolutely.
Buf if Delane makes it to Miami, one would think he’ll be very seriously considered.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Joe Schad turns to Mansoor Delane for Dolphins
And that’s exactly who our Joe Schad selected Mansoor Delane for the Dolphins in his 2026 NFL Mock Draft 1.0.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: NFL draft outlook: Why Miami Dolphins, Mansoor Delane makes sense
Reporting by Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
