Despite being projected as a top pick, Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy was not selected in the first round on April 23, with two other cornerbacks chosen instead.
McCoy, a 2024 All-American, has not played since tearing his ACL in January 2025, which raised doubts among teams despite his impressive 4.37-second 40-yard dash at Tennessee’s pro day.
Analysts say McCoy’s injury shifted draft priorities, making LSU’s Mansoor Delane and San Diego State’s Chris Johnson first-round picks. McCoy remains available as the draft continues with rounds two and three.
Is Jermod McCoy the biggest steal of the 2026 NFL Draft or the riskiest gamble?
Despite a blazing 4.37 40-time, why was McCoy's knee still seen as a career-ending risk?
How much did a single injury truly cost projected first-round pick Jermod McCoy in salary?
What career-threatening knee issue made 31 NFL teams pass on a top-rated cornerback?
How did one player's injury drastically alter the draft board for other top cornerbacks?