Dallas Cowboys Hosting Likeliest First-Round Target Mansoor Delane on Top-30 Visit

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys are wasting no time zeroing in on their preferred first-round target, inviting LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane to AT&T Stadium for one of the club’s coveted Top-30 visits, multiple sources confirmed to A to Z Sports.

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Delane has emerged as the betting favorite to hear his name called at No. 12 overall when the NFL Draft kicks off April 25. The formal meeting, which counts against the league-allotted 30 non-local prospect visits each franchise is permitted, signals the Cowboys’ desire to complete their medical, character and scheme-fit evaluations before finalizing their draft board.

“Every NFL team is allowed to host 30 non-local draft prospects on pre-draft visits each year,” the source text noted. “These don’t necessarily mean they’re top prospects for the team, but they’re a perfect opportunity to learn about the player. For the Cowboys, they’re usually a clear indication of what position groups they’re targeting each year.”

Dallas reinforced the cornerback room last week by signing veteran Cobie Durant to a one-year, $5.5 million pact, yet front-office decision-makers remain unconvinced the depth chart is settled. Second-year corner Shavon Revel Jr., who missed the majority of the offseason program and training camp while rehabbing an injury, displayed promising coverage instincts but struggled as a tackler during his limited rookie action. Meanwhile, 2024 breakout star DaRon Bland is recovering from a second consecutive foot surgery that compromised his 2025 campaign.

The uncertainty has kept cornerback atop the Cowboys’ list of draft priorities. Delane, a two-year starter in the SEC, is viewed inside The Star as a potential Week 1 upgrade who could also provide long-term stability opposite projected starter Trevon Diggs.

Scouts praise Delane’s “sticky coverage and high football IQ,” traits that align with the defensive staff’s emphasis on cerebral, assignment-sound players. The Cowboys’ scheme, described as “multiple” by the source text, values corners comfortable toggling between zone and man concepts—an area where Delane excelled while helping LSU finish top-10 nationally in pass-efficiency defense each of the past two seasons.

Draft analysts had circled the Miami Dolphins at No. 11 as a potential landing spot for Delane, but Miami’s recent free-agency splurge on tall, elite-athlete defensive backs with elite Relative Athletic Scores (RAS) has likely removed them from consideration. The development improves the odds Delane will still be available when the Cowboys step to the podium.

“After the first week of free agency, I consider him being on the board at No. 12 much likelier,” the source text added.

While more than a month remains until commissioner Roger Goodell announces the first pick, Dallas’ decision to use one of its 30 formal visits on Delane underscores the franchise’s conviction that the Baton Rouge product could be the best player available at a position of need.

Dallas has historically leaned on its Top-30 meetings to finalize first-round grades, and all signs point to Delane receiving the red-carpet treatment as the Cowboys continue shaping their 2025 draft strategy.