The Las Vegas Raiders have selected cornerback Jermod McCoy from the University of Tennessee with the 101st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This move, occurring at the start of the fourth round, signifies a significant gamble for the Raiders, who traded up from the 102nd selection to secure McCoy. McCoy, widely considered a talent capable of being a first-round pick, slid to Day 3 of the draft due to considerable concerns surrounding a past knee injury. His ability to contribute immediately, or even at all, remains uncertain as teams weigh the risk of potential future surgeries against his undeniable on-field capabilities.
McCoy's physical attributes and playing style are noted for their strengths. He possesses length, ball-tracking vision, and reactive skills, coupled with good top-end speed. Over his college career at Tennessee, he amassed 75 tackles, 16 pass breakups, and six interceptions. He also demonstrated his capabilities during a pro day in March, appearing strong and quick post-injury. Despite these positive indicators, the potential need for further knee surgery looms, with some analysts suggesting a cartilage issue, separate from his ACL tear, could necessitate an operation that might sideline him for his entire rookie season, or even impact his career longevity.
Read More: India beats South Africa by 14 runs thanks to Sharma's bowling
McCoy himself addressed the health concerns, stating he would adhere to whatever the Raiders' medical staff deemed necessary to get him back on the field. He acknowledged the inherent doubt surrounding his knee's long-term viability for teams considering him.
The Raiders' selection of McCoy follows their earlier move to draft quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, indicating a strategic focus on acquiring talent with high potential. McCoy's draft fall is a notable story of the 2026 draft class, transforming him from a consensus top-tier cornerback prospect into a late-round selection. His slide highlights the league's cautious approach to players with significant injury histories, even those with demonstrable elite skills.
Background
McCoy's collegiate journey saw him transfer to Tennessee after playing at Oregon State. He did not play in the 2025 season due to an ACL tear sustained in January of that year, though he had returned to limited practice by August. His background includes being an under-recruited high school player who later blossomed into an impact player. Some scouting reports identify "technical nitpicks" as his primary weaknesses, viewed as minor issues given his projected caliber.
Read More: Raiders pick injured Jermod McCoy at 101 despite knee fears
The Raiders' draft day strategy involved a minor trade with the Buffalo Bills, sending their 102nd pick and a future seventh-round selection to move up one spot to acquire McCoy at No. 101. This suggests a strong belief within the Raiders' organization that McCoy's talent outweighs the considerable risks associated with his knee condition.
