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EspañolThe Washington Commanders need defensive help in 2026. While it's fair to say edge rusher is the most critical need, Washington also needs a speedy mike linebacker, a corner and a safety. The Commanders will soon move on from cornerback Marshon Lattimore, ending his brief and disappointing stint.
Washington returns Mike Sainristil and Trey Amos in 2026. Both former second-round picks figure prominently in new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' plans. While Sainristil struggled last season after an impressive rookie year, the Commanders remain confident in his ability.
But Washington still needs another starting cornerback. That could come in free agency, but the Commanders could also wait until the 2026 NFL Draft. The projected top cornerback is Mansoor Delane from LSU.
At the NFL combine this week, Delane revealed he'd met with the Commanders, and the meeting went 'great.' The 6-foot-0, 187-pounder is expected to go somewhere inside the top 15 of April's draft. Some mock drafts have projected Delane as high as No. 7 to Washington.
LSU CB and Maryland native Mansoor Delane on his meeting with the Commanders. pic.twitter.com/YRowJqnqDz
— CWallSports (@cwallse) February 26, 2026
Delane mentioned feeling at home. That's because he's from the DMV. Delane is from Silver Spring, Maryland, and played high school football at Archbishop Spalding in Severn. He played his first three college seasons at Virginia Tech.
Would the Commanders use their first-round pick on Delane after having spent second-round picks on cornerbacks in consecutive years? It seems unlikely, but the position remains a need. With players like David Bailey and Sonny Styles raising their stock, it's possible some of the top options are off the board, leaving GM Adam Peters to select the best possible player. Could that be Delane?
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: LSU CB Mansoor Delane had 'great' visit