If you’ve paid any attention to the media coverage around the 2026 NFL Draft, you’ve heard everyone talk about how this is a “down year” and how the players at the top of the draft are of a far lower caliber than in most years. That same logic has been applied to LSU football cornerback Mansoor Delane, who is expected to be a top-15 pick this year.

Media members have concerns about his length and lack of top-tier athleticism, saying that his prospect profile wouldn’t be so highly regarded in other draft years. Delane quieted those concerns to some extent at LSU’s pro day, where he ran a blazing 4.38 in the 40-yard dash, but there are still a fair number of doubters out there.

One NFL scout offered his opinion on Delane in a recent article from The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman that makes it clear the league isn’t so concerned about the LSU star.

“He’s not (Christian) Gonzalez or (Devon) Witherspoon, but he’s close,” said the anonymous scout. “He’s a complete player. He’s got the range to do anything you’d ask him to do defensively.”

Although this scout doesn’t say Delane is on the same tier as Gonzalez or Witherspoon, the fact that he believes Delane is close is still a huge compliment. Those two cornerbacks have combined for four Pro Bowls and two second-team All-Pro selections over their six combined years in the league, and if Delane were similarly effective as a young player, it would be a huge win for the former Tiger.

Delane’s draft stock has only continued to rise over the past few months. Don’t be shocked if he ends up being the fourth top-10 pick out of LSU in the last three drafts.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: NFL scout offers lofty comparison for LSU CB Mansoor Delane