Browns projected to select former Vol in NFL draft first round

Former Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy is projected as a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN released a two-round NFL mock draft on Wednesday. He projects McCoy as the No. 24 overall pick in the first round to Cleveland.

The 2026 NFL draft will be the first for the Browns with head coach Todd Monken, along with managing and principal partners Jimmy Haslam and Dee Haslam.

McCoy recorded a 40-yard dash time of 4.37 seconds at Tennessee's pro day on March 31. He did not participate in position drills or workout at the 2026 NFL scouting combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The 6-foot, 193-pound defensive back played for the Vols in 2024 after transferring from Oregon State. He recorded 44 tackles, 0.5 tackles for a loss, four interceptions, 71 interception yards, 13 pass deflections, six punt returns and 59 punt return yards in 13 games.

McCoy did not play at Tennessee in 2025 due to rehabbing from an offseason knee injury.

The NFL draft will be held April 23–25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Cleveland projected to select Tennessee cornerback in 2026 NFL draft