The Lions have a higher-than-expected need at CB due to the health concerns of the returning group. The CB position scored a 6/10 need on my Lions Defensive Positional Need Rankings. Mansoor Delane is an elite prospect who the Lions have shown interest in. He carries a 3/10 medical concern level due to a core muscle injury.

Here is the excerpt from my Mansoor Delane Medical Report:

(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information are unverified and subject to update. Games played data courtesy of sports-reference.com.)

Projected early round 1. Daniel Jeremiah #9 overall player March 5. Formal meeting at combine with Lions.

2025: 11/13 games. Played through core muscle injury since Week 4 and missed 1 game for it. Exited another game with unspecified injury. Opted out of bowl.

A core muscle injury is a common injury among defensive backs. It’s something you can play through, but often requires surgery at some point. Ennis Rakestraw had core muscle surgery after his college career ended. Players generally do well after surgery and there isn’t much long-term concern as long as there is no hip involvement.

Delane did not work out at the NFL combine which does raise the concern a touch. He did have a limited workout at his pro day which is somewhat reassuring. Medical will need to evaluate the details of the injury and determine if surgery might be indicated.

Delane otherwise doesn’t have any other notable injuries and is at a good age. He finished with 8 INT and 27 PBU in college.

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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions NFL Draft Injury Report: LSU CB Mansoor Delane