Despite being a top prospect, Jermod McCoy’s draft stock plummeted due to significant injury concerns—an unfortunate twist for the talented cornerback from Tennessee. On April 24, 2026, as teams prepared for the NFL Draft, whispers about his knee issues grew louder.
McCoy suffered a torn ACL at the end of the 2024 college football season and did not play in 2025. Initially projected as a top-15 pick, he fell out of the first round entirely. His last game was on December 21, 2024, against Ohio State, where he showcased his potential as an All-American.
At Tennessee’s pro day, McCoy ran an impressive 40-yard dash in just 4.37 seconds—an effort that many hoped would alleviate concerns surrounding his knee. Yet, lingering doubts remained about his longevity in the league. Adam Schefter noted that while McCoy clearly possesses first-round talent, the knee injury raised red flags.
Teams are worried about more than just his past injury; there are questions regarding whether he might need another surgery due to a bone plug issue in his knee. Tom Pelissero reported that some teams are concerned this might necessitate further intervention—a troubling sign for any organization considering him.
As the draft approaches, McCoy could be selected by several teams looking to bolster their secondary—such as the Las Vegas Raiders or New York Giants. Colton Hood, McCoy’s teammate at Tennessee, was picked by the Giants at number 37, further emphasizing the unpredictable nature of this year’s draft.
The Cincinnati Bengals hold pick number 41 and could also be in play for McCoy. Other potential suitors include the New Orleans Saints at pick 42, New York Jets at 44, Baltimore Ravens at 45, and Minnesota Vikings at 49. Each team must weigh their need for a cornerback against the risk of selecting someone with significant injury concerns.
As officials have not yet confirmed any specifics regarding McCoy’s knee situation or whether he will require additional surgery, uncertainty looms over his future in professional football. The stakes are high—not just for McCoy but also for teams pondering their next moves in this crucial draft.
