‘Beast’ Draft Guy Says CB for Vikings in Round 1

Brugler: McCoy to MIN

In Round 1, Brugler tabbed McCoy for Minnesota, who would be the Vikings’ first Round 1 cornerback in six years (Jeff Gladney, 2020, TCU).

He explained the pick, “McCoy is a tough player to project in a mock draft — some teams are comfortable with his 2025 knee injury, while others won’t consider him in the first round. I don’t know how the Vikings feel, but adding his level of talent to a Brian Flores defense would be fun to watch.”

As it stands, the Vikings have Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, and James Pierre lined up for CB duty in 2026, but no one would be too upset if the club invested in a potential young stud like McCoy.

Why? Well, Minnesota hasn’t successfully drafted a cornerback of any kind since 2015 or 2016 (Trae Waynes & Mackensie Alexander).

The Full Haul per Brugler

Because Brugler is about as thorough as it gets, he completed a full seven-round mock. Here’s the Vikings’ full haul, according to him:

• Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee) | R1
• Lee Hunter (DT, Texas Tech) | R2
• A.J. Haulcy (S, LSU) | R3
• Sam Hecht (C, Kansas State) | R3
• Jeff Caldwell (WR, Cincinnati) | R5
• Mason Reiger (EDGE, Wisconsin) | R6
• J.C. Davis (OT, Illinois) | R7
• Seth McGowan (RB, Kentucky) | R7
• Josh Cuevas (TE, Alabama) | R7

Fans would be especially elated by Hunter in Round 2 and Hecht with the Sam Darnold compensatory draft pick.

Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter (2) gestures toward the sideline during second-quarter action against the West Virginia Mountaineers, with Nov 29, 2025 marking the game at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, West Virginia. Hunter remained active in communication as the Red Raiders managed defensive adjustments on the field. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images.

SI.com‘s Will Ragatz on Hunter: “When it comes to big-bodied run stuffers at defensive tackle, I like the idea of Hunter at 49 a lot more than Kayden McDonald at 18. He had 31.5 tackles for loss over the past three seasons at UCF and Texas Tech.”

“Hunter didn’t test very well athletically and isn’t much of a pass rusher, but he could be just what the Vikings need as a powerful nose tackle in the middle of their defense.”

McCoy’s Scouting Report

McCoy’s draft stock is rapidly rising, potentially putting him out of Minnesota’s reach by the time their selection is made. Widely regarded as the second-best cornerback in this year’s class, he trails only Mansoor Delane from LSU, who is projected as a 1st-Round pick.

Still only 20 years old, McCoy is returning from a torn ACL sustained in 2025 while at Tennessee. When healthy, he typically lines up as an outside cornerback, handling boundary responsibilities, much like Hood.

McCoy is 6’1″ and 190 pounds with 4.37 speed. He’s known for his ball skills, timing, fluidity, and press-man technique. He must improve his tackling and run support. The ACL tear in January 2025 also isn’t ideal.

Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) reacts after securing a fumble during second-quarter play, with Nov 30, 2024 marking the game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. McCoy showed quick awareness on the turnover, helping the Volunteers shift momentum during the in-state matchup. Mandatory Credit: Stephanie Amador-The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared him to Tyson Campbell and noted, “McCoy is a toolsy outside corner with CB1 flashes, but an ACL tear robbed him of a much-needed third season. Hips and feet are smooth, allowing for quality lateral transitions and efficient gathers to match hard-breaking curls. He’s athletic in his recoveries but average acceleration leaves him chasing too often on go routes.”

“More focused, physical press disruption should make the rep easier to control. He’s opportunistic with strong ball skills at the catch point. His route squeeze and zone awareness should improve with more reps. We should expect McCoy’s athletic traits and instincts to help him make up for lost time once he gets into camp.”

RB Neglected for the Most Part

In Brugler’s mock, the Vikings didn’t nab a running back until Round 7, hopping into bed with McGowan of Kentucky, who will be a 25-year-old rookie and offers an RB2-RB3 skill set. Most fans expect — and want — a more serious young running back.

Before Round 7, men like Jadarian Price (Notre Dame), Jonah Coleman (Washington), Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas), Emmett Johnson (Nebraska), and Nick Singleton (Penn State) will be available to Minnesota. First-rounder Jeremiyah Love, also from Notre Dame, will be long gone before Minnesota is summoned to pick.

Here’s to hoping that the Vikings land a tailback before Round 7. It’s time.