NFL Expert: Jermod McCoy's Draft Spot Uncertain Until Pro Day

ESPN's Field Yates says former Tennessee CB's landing spot will be tough to project until he works out for scouts later this month.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 10:19pm

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Former Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy is expected to be a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but his exact landing spot remains uncertain due to his ongoing recovery from a torn ACL that sidelined him for the 2025 college season. McCoy did not participate in on-field drills at the NFL Combine, instead opting to wait for Tennessee's Pro Day on March 31 to showcase his skills for scouts. ESPN's Field Yates says McCoy's lack of recent game tape makes it difficult to project where he'll be drafted, though Mel Kiper Jr. has him going 12th overall to the Dallas Cowboys.

Why it matters

McCoy is considered one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2026 draft class, but his injury history and lack of recent playing time have raised some questions about his NFL readiness. A strong showing at Tennessee's Pro Day could help alleviate those concerns and solidify his status as a likely first-round pick.

The details

McCoy tore his ACL in January 2025, sidelining him for the Volunteers' entire 2025 season. He attended the NFL Combine earlier this month but did not participate in on-field drills, instead saving his workout for Tennessee's Pro Day on March 31. ESPN's Field Yates says McCoy's lack of recent game tape makes it difficult to project where he'll be drafted, though Mel Kiper Jr. has him going 12th overall to the Dallas Cowboys in his latest mock draft.

  • McCoy tore his ACL in January 2025.
  • McCoy attended the NFL Combine in March 2026.
  • McCoy will hold his Pro Day workout on March 31, 2026.

The players

Jermod McCoy

A former cornerback for the University of Tennessee who is expected to be a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft despite missing the 2025 college season due to a torn ACL.

Field Yates

An ESPN NFL Draft expert who says McCoy's landing spot will be tough to project until he works out for scouts at his Pro Day.

Mel Kiper Jr.

An ESPN NFL Draft analyst who has projected McCoy to be selected 12th overall by the Dallas Cowboys in his latest mock draft.

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What they’re saying

“McCoy has only two years of tape to work with, as he sat out the 2025 season after tearing his ACL last January. His lone season at Tennessee in 2024 was outstanding, showcasing the totality of his 77-inch wingspan with seven pass breakups and four interceptions. He is a confident man-to-man coverage player with terrific balance, patience and ball skills.”

— Field Yates, ESPN NFL Draft Expert

“McCoy doesn't come without questions; he tore an ACL in January 2025, sat out the season and then didn't work out at the combine. But he can flat-out play when he's on the field. McCoy had four interceptions in 2024. If Dallas likes what it sees at his March 31 pro day, this could be a smart pick.”

— Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN NFL Draft Analyst

“I've been doing everything. I wanted to get out here, but I just want to make sure I'm putting the best thing out. I've been doing a lot of training back in OC, so I'm just going to put the best thing out in front of all the scouts.”

— Jermod McCoy

What’s next

McCoy will hold his Pro Day workout for NFL scouts on March 31 in Knoxville, which could help solidify his draft position.

The takeaway

Jermod McCoy's recovery from a torn ACL and lack of recent game tape have created uncertainty around his draft stock, but a strong showing at Tennessee's Pro Day could go a long way in convincing NFL teams that he's worth a high first-round pick despite the injury concerns.