Cowboys Preparing Second Meeting With ‘Lockdown’ Cornerback Target – Dallas Quietly Eyeing Defensive Star Who Could Change the Secondary Overnight
Dallas, Texas – March 15, 2026
The Dallas Cowboys may not have made the splashy free-agency moves many fans expected this offseason, but behind the scenes the organization is preparing for a critical decision that could reshape its defense. And one name is quickly rising to the top of their draft board: LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane.
With the No. 12 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the Cowboys appear to be positioning themselves for a serious run at the talented defensive back. After already meeting with Delane at the NFL Combine, Dallas is now preparing for a Top 30 visit, signaling growing interest in one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in the class.
The timing is not accidental. Dallas entered free agency hoping to strengthen the roster, but aside from acquiring pass rusher Rashan Gary and signing safety Jalen Thompson, the team’s moves were far from the aggressive spending spree owner Jerry Jones once hinted at.
That reality leaves the Cowboys with a clear path forward: the draft must deliver immediate impact players.
And Delane might be exactly that.
The former LSU standout has quickly climbed draft boards after a breakout season that caught the attention of scouts across the league. According to Pro Football Focus, Delane ranks as the No. 9 overall prospect in the entire draft and the top-rated cornerback available.
NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein believes Delane possesses the traits of a true lockdown defender.
“Delane is one of the top cornerbacks in a CB-rich draft,” Zierlein wrote. “He excels in press coverage, disrupting releases with physicality while staying connected in man coverage with smooth hips and efficient footwork.”
Even more impressive, Delane played through a core muscle injury for much of the 2025 season while still performing at an elite level — a sign of the toughness and competitiveness teams covet at the position.
There is also a personal connection that could strengthen Dallas’ interest.
Cowboys secondary coach Ryan Smith was the coach who originally recruited Delane to Virginia Tech before the defensive back transferred to LSU. When asked about Smith at the combine, Delane smiled.
“That’s my guy,” Delane said. “He recruited me to Virginia Tech. Maybe we’ll be able to reunite.”
For Dallas, the timing could not be more important.
The Cowboys’ cornerback room currently carries both potential and uncertainty. DaRon Bland remains the most reliable presence, but injuries have limited his consistency since his All-Pro season in 2023. Behind him, players like Shavon Revel, Cobie Durant, and Caelan Carson still have questions to answer.
Adding a young cornerback with genuine lockdown potential could immediately stabilize the unit.
And if Delane is still on the board when the Cowboys are on the clock at No. 12, the decision in Dallas might become very simple.
Because while the Cowboys’ offseason may have felt quiet to fans, the front office appears to be preparing for a move that could define the future of their defense.
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