The NFL draft began with Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the first overall pick. Notably, a former Tennessee player is now listed as the best available player after the first round.
Key points
NFL draft commenced in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Fernando Mendoza was the first overall pick
David Bailey was drafted second by the Jets
Jeremiyah Love was the third pick by Arizona
Tennessee drafted Carnell Tate
Fernando MendozaDavid BaileyJeremiyah LoveCarnell Tate
Former Vol listed as NFL draft best available player after first round
The NFL draft kicked off Thursday with the first round in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza was selected No. 1 overall by Las Vegas.
The Jets drafted Texas Tech defensive lineman David Bailey with the second pick, while Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love was selected No. 3 by Arizona.
McCoy was at Tennessee from 2024-25 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 during the 2024 season.
McCoy did not play for the Vols in 2025 due to rehabbing from an offseason knee injury.
Q&A
Who was the first overall pick in the NFL draft?
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza was selected as the first overall pick by Las Vegas.
Which former Tennessee player is considered the best available after the first round?
A former Tennessee player has been highlighted as the best available player following the first round of the NFL draft.
What teams made the top five picks in the NFL draft?
The top five picks included Las Vegas, the Jets, Arizona, Tennessee, and the Giants.
What position did David Bailey play in the NFL draft?
David Bailey, drafted by the Jets, played as a defensive lineman from Texas Tech.
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Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy versus Ryan Williams and Alabama on Oct. 19, 2024 at Neyland Stadium.
Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams (2) is tackled by Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) after making the catch during an SEC conference game between Tennessee and Alabama at Neyland Stadium on Oct. 19, 2024.
Nov. 30, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) tackles Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) during the second half at FirstBank Stadium.
Nov. 30, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) tackles Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) during the second half at FirstBank Stadium.
Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) yells while carrying a deflated gator after defeating Florida during a NCAA football game between Tennessee and Florida at Neyland Stadium, in Knoxville, Tennessee on Oct. 12, 2024.
Nov. 16, 2024; Athens, Georgia; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver London Humphreys (16) is tackled by Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) after a catch during the second half at Sanford Stadium.
Defensive back Jermod McCoy #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs with a 17-yard interception return against the Oklahoma Sooners in the first quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Norman, Oklahoma.
Feb. 26, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana; Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (DB20) speaks to media members during the NFL combine at the Indiana Convention Center.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) runs past Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) during the first half of the College Football Playoff first round game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Dec. 21, 2024.
Oregon Ducks tight end Terrance Ferguson catches a pass as he is brought down by Oregon State Beavers defensive back Jermod McCoy during the first half of the annual rivalry game on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
Wide receiver Rome Odunze #1 of the Washington Huskies cathes a pass to secure the win against defensive back Jermod McCoy #23 of the Oregon State Beavers during the second half at Reser Stadium on November 18, 2023 in Corvallis, Oregon.
1 / 11
PHOTOS: Defensive back Jermod McCoy's career
Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy versus Ryan Williams and Alabama on Oct. 19, 2024 at Neyland Stadium.
1 / 11
PHOTOS: Defensive back Jermod McCoy's career
Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy versus Ryan Williams and Alabama on Oct. 19, 2024 at Neyland Stadium.
2 / 11
PHOTOS: Defensive back Jermod McCoy's career
Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams (2) is tackled by Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) after making the catch during an SEC conference game between Tennessee and Alabama at Neyland Stadium on Oct. 19, 2024.
3 / 11
PHOTOS: Defensive back Jermod McCoy's career
Nov. 30, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) tackles Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) during the second half at FirstBank Stadium.
4 / 11
PHOTOS: Defensive back Jermod McCoy's career
Nov. 30, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) tackles Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) during the second half at FirstBank Stadium.
5 / 11
PHOTOS: Defensive back Jermod McCoy's career
Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) yells while carrying a deflated gator after defeating Florida during a NCAA football game between Tennessee and Florida at Neyland Stadium, in Knoxville, Tennessee on Oct. 12, 2024.
6 / 11
Former Vol listed as NFL draft best available player after first round
Nov. 16, 2024; Athens, Georgia; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver London Humphreys (16) is tackled by Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) after a catch during the second half at Sanford Stadium.
7 / 11
PHOTOS: Defensive back Jermod McCoy's career
Defensive back Jermod McCoy #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs with a 17-yard interception return against the Oklahoma Sooners in the first quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Norman, Oklahoma.
8 / 11
PHOTOS: Defensive back Jermod McCoy's career
Feb. 26, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana; Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (DB20) speaks to media members during the NFL combine at the Indiana Convention Center.
9 / 11
PHOTOS: Defensive back Jermod McCoy's career
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) runs past Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) during the first half of the College Football Playoff first round game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Dec. 21, 2024.
10 / 11
PHOTOS: Defensive back Jermod McCoy's career
Oregon Ducks tight end Terrance Ferguson catches a pass as he is brought down by Oregon State Beavers defensive back Jermod McCoy during the first half of the annual rivalry game on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
11 / 11
PHOTOS: Defensive back Jermod McCoy's career
Wide receiver Rome Odunze #1 of the Washington Huskies cathes a pass to secure the win against defensive back Jermod McCoy #23 of the Oregon State Beavers during the second half at Reser Stadium on November 18, 2023 in Corvallis, Oregon.
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