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Bucs land SEC cornerback from CBS Sports in 2026 NFL Mock Draft
TL;DR
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are projected to select cornerback Jermod McCoy from Tennessee with the 15th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This comes as the team looks to strengthen their secondary after recent player departures.
Key points
- Bucs projected to select Jermod McCoy with 15th overall pick
- McCoy missed last season due to a torn ACL
- Team aims to strengthen secondary after losing key players
Mentioned in this story
Pittsburgh
Tampa Bay BuccaneersJermod McCoyCarlton DavisJamel Dean
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh in four days' time, a city where the Bucs could select the next star they add to their roster in hopes of righting the proverbial ship. Before then, though, there will be plenty of speculation and buildup for the team and who they may add to the roster through the draft. Thankfully, we now have some added context for players now that the scouting combine has come and gone.
CBS Sports' Josh Edwards recently released the latest 2026 NFL mock draft of the cycle, which has the team going in a defensive direction. He projects them landing Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy with their 15th overall pick. Despite missing all of last season with a torn ACL, his 2024 tape is a good enough reason for him to be in consideration for this pick.
Edwards explains the McCoy pick, writing, "If Jermod McCoy's medicals are clean, then he is a top-5 prospect in this class. After losing Carlton Davis and Jamel Dean in recent years, the Buccaneers replenish the room. Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison would presumably compete for the other starting position."
With the departure of Jamel Dean, this Bucs secondary has a major hole in it. When they had Dean, they were still struggling with coverage, but the addition of McCoy would provide some much-needed energy in the position group.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL Mock Draft: Bucs projected Jermod McCoy ahead of Round 1
Q&A
Who is Jermod McCoy and why is he a top prospect for the Bucs?
Jermod McCoy is a cornerback from Tennessee, projected as a top-5 prospect if his medicals are clear, making him a strong candidate for the Buccaneers' 15th overall pick.
What impact will Jermod McCoy have on the Buccaneers' secondary?
McCoy's addition is expected to fill the significant gap left by Jamel Dean's departure, potentially improving the team's coverage and overall defensive performance.
When and where is the 2026 NFL Draft taking place?
The 2026 NFL Draft will occur in Pittsburgh in four days, providing the Buccaneers an opportunity to enhance their roster.
