Arguably the top cornerback in the NFL Draft could fall to the Cincinnati Bengals, who have the 10th pick. And Mansoor Delane out of LSU would actually fit on the Bengals pretty well, writes Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo.
After highlighting the significant upgrade needed on defense, the writer offered this analysis:
Cornerback Dax Hill is entering his fifth-year contract option and opposite starter DJ Turner II is also in the final season of his rookie contract. Delane would be a long-term solution with higher upside than any in-house player.
What is that upside?
Well, according to NFL.com, he is highly athletic with good technique. He “anticipates breaks from off coverage and pounces to erase separation space”. He’s also physical, capable of wrapping up pass-catchers and knocking the ball loose.
NFLDraftBuzz.com adds that he has fluid hips and quick feet, plus instincts and the stats to back them up (eight interceptions and 27 passes defended).
The negatives, according to NFL.com, are that Delane is sometimes deceived by clever route combinations and fails to locate deep throws. Plus, he can be late getting to ball carriers in the open field.
And, per NFLDraftBuzz.com, he also has a lean frame and below-average arm length and will need to add functional strength to play in the NFL.
The other two teams that Melo mentioned as being good fits for the CB, the Washington Commanders and Kansas City Chiefs, pick before the Bengals, so we’ll have to see if Delane is even there for Cincinnati to consider him.
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