![\"Dallas](\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/AA1USVtB.img?w=768&h=512&m=6&x=436&y=125&s=110&d=110\")
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COWBOYS\u2019 NEW CORNERBACK COACH CONNECTION WITH MANSOOR DELANE COULD INFLUENCE 2026 NFL DRAFT SELECTION<\/strong><\/p>\n The Dallas Cowboys<\/em> are known for making bold decisions, and as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft<\/em>, their coaching staff\u2019s connections might play a key role in shaping their selections. The relationship business<\/em> is a big part of the NFL, not just during the coaching hiring cycle but also in the draft process. Teams often look to draft players with whom they have connections, whether through previous coaching stints or relationships built at prior stops. One such connection that could influence the Cowboys\u2019 draft plans<\/em> involves their new cornerback coach<\/em>, Ryan Smith<\/em>.<\/p>\n Before joining the Cowboys<\/em> staff as their new cornerbacks coach<\/em>, Ryan Smith<\/em> made a significant impact at Virginia Tech<\/em>, where he coached Mansoor Delane<\/em> during his time with the Virginia Tech Hokies<\/em>. Delane, a top cornerback prospect<\/em> for the 2026 NFL Draft<\/em>, had a standout career with the Hokies before transferring to LSU<\/em>, where he continued to impress with his coverage ability<\/em> and attitude<\/em>.<\/p>\n Delane himself has credited Smith as a key factor in his development, particularly for helping him become the player he is today. Delane cited Smith\u2019s influence as one of the main reasons he chose to play for Virginia Tech, and that strong relationship has likely only grown stronger over the years. With Ryan Smith<\/em> now joining the Cowboys<\/em> as their cornerbacks coach, that connection between him and Delane<\/em> could play a significant role in the Cowboys<\/em>‘ draft strategy, especially considering their need at the cornerback position.<\/p>\n While it\u2019s far from a guarantee that the Cowboys<\/em> will select Mansoor Delane<\/em> in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft<\/em>, the connection between Smith and Delane certainly increases the likelihood. The Cowboys<\/em> have a notable need at cornerback<\/em>, and Delane is one of the top cornerback prospects in the class, despite having less-than-ideal measurables. His skills and coverage ability could make him a valuable asset to Dallas, particularly under Smith\u2019s coaching.<\/p>\n However, there are a few factors to consider. Delane<\/em> may be selected before the Cowboys<\/em> are on the clock at No. 12<\/em>, and the Cowboys’ front office<\/em> typically favors cornerbacks with more length. How Christian Parker<\/em>, the Cowboys\u2019 new defensive coordinator<\/em>, views Delane\u2019s fit in their defensive system will also be crucial. Still, the connection between Smith and Delane gives the Cowboys<\/em> a solid foundation to seriously consider him as a first-round pick.<\/p>\n The Cowboys<\/em> have been making moves to bolster their defense in recent years, and Ryan Smith\u2019s<\/em> hiring is a clear indication that improving the secondary<\/em> is a priority. As Dallas continues to rebuild its defense, adding Delane could be a significant step forward. If Smith\u2019s presence helps bring in Delane<\/em>, it would be an even greater win for the Cowboys<\/em>, as the young cornerback\u2019s potential would provide much-needed stability in their defensive backfield.<\/p>\n As the 2026 NFL Draft<\/em> approaches, Mansoor Delane<\/em> is quickly becoming one of the most likely first-round picks<\/em> for the Dallas Cowboys<\/em>. His connection to Ryan Smith<\/em> and the Cowboys\u2019 need at cornerback<\/em> make him a player to watch throughout the draft process. Whether or not he ends up in Dallas remains to be seen, but with Smith<\/em>\u2019s input and the Cowboys’<\/em> needs, Delane could be a perfect fit for the team\u2019s defensive future.<\/p>\n As the draft draws closer, expect Delane\u2019s name to come up frequently in discussions about the Cowboys\u2019 plans<\/em>\u2014especially if Smith<\/em> plays a role in pushing for his selection. The Cowboys<\/em> are looking to improve their secondary<\/em>, and if they decide to target Delane, it could be one of the most impactful moves they make during the draft.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" COWBOYS\u2019 NEW CORNERBACK COACH CONNECTION WITH MANSOOR DELANE COULD INFLUENCE 2026 NFL DRAFT SELECTION The Dallas Cowboys are known for making bold decisions, and as they prepare… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":147526,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-147524","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl"],"yoast_head":"\nRYAN SMITH\u2019S CONNECTION TO MANSOOR DELANE<\/h3>\n
![\"Cowboys](\"https:\/\/athlonsports.com\/.image\/w_3840,q_auto:good,c_limit\/MjY6MDAwMDAwMDAwNzE5NDc0\/usatsi_27058557.jpg?arena_f_auto\")
<\/p>\nDOES THIS MEAN A DELANE SELECTION IN ROUND 1?<\/h3>\n
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A BIG MOVE FOR THE COWBOYS\u2019 DEFENSE<\/h3>\n
KEEPING AN EYE ON MANSOOR DELANE<\/h3>\n