
Judge grants Oklahoma LB Heinecke extra year
Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke granted an extra year of eligibility for 2026 after court ruling.
Dane Brugler's latest mock draft suggests the Minnesota Vikings will select cornerback Jermod McCoy from Tennessee in Round 1. McCoy's draft stock has risen significantly, raising questions about his availability at Pick No. 18.
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
The Athleticâs Dane Brugler publishes the most thorough draft publication in the world every April, and after doing that recently, he has a follow-up mock draft freshly released. For the Minnesota Vikings in Round 1, he rolled with Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy.
Minnesota may need cornerback help, and McCoyâs rising stock is putting him firmly in the first-round conversation.
McCoyâs draft profile has soared in the last couple of weeks, so much so that many wonder if heâll even be available at Pick No. 18
The draft is seven days away. Fasten your seatbelts.

Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) celebrates with a deflated gator after defeating the Florida Gators, with Oct 12, 2024 marking the rivalry game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. McCoy played a key role in the Volunteersâ victory and embraced the moment following the final whistle. Mandatory Credit: Angelina Alcantar-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images.
Jermod McCoy is a cornerback from Tennessee whose draft stock has surged, making him a strong candidate for the Vikings' first-round pick.
The Minnesota Vikings are looking to strengthen their cornerback position, which is why Jermod McCoy is being considered for their first-round selection.
Pick No. 18 is crucial for the Vikings as it could determine whether they can secure Jermod McCoy, whose rising popularity may lead to him being drafted earlier.
The NFL Draft typically occurs in late April, with specific dates announced each year.

Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke granted an extra year of eligibility for 2026 after court ruling.

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Brugler: McCoy to MIN
In Round 1, Brugler tabbed McCoy for Minnesota, who would be the Vikingsâ first Round 1 cornerback in six years (Jeff Gladney, 2020, TCU).
He explained the pick, âMcCoy is a tough player to project in a mock draft â some teams are comfortable with his 2025 knee injury, while others wonât consider him in the first round. I donât know how the Vikings feel, but adding his level of talent to a Brian Flores defense would be fun to watch.â
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 hasnât 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. Hereâs the Vikingsâ full haul, according to him:
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.comâs Will Ragatz on Hunter: âWhen 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.â
âHunter didnât test very well athletically and isnât 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.â
McCoyâs Scouting Report
McCoyâs draft stock is rapidly rising, potentially putting him out of Minnesotaâs reach by the time their selection is made. Widely regarded as the second-best cornerback in this yearâs 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 6â1âł and 190 pounds with 4.37 speed. Heâs 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 isnât 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.comâs Lance Zierlein compared him to Tyson Campbell and noted, âMcCoy 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. Heâs athletic in his recoveries but average acceleration leaves him chasing too often on go routes.â
âMore focused, physical press disruption should make the rep easier to control. Heâs opportunistic with strong ball skills at the catch point. His route squeeze and zone awareness should improve with more reps. We should expect McCoyâs athletic traits and instincts to help him make up for lost time once he gets into camp.â
RB Neglected for the Most Part
In Bruglerâs mock, the Vikings didnât 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 â and want â 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.
Hereâs to hoping that the Vikings land a tailback before Round 7. Itâs time.