Jermod McCoy finally taken by Raiders: Why CB fell in NFL draft

TL;DR

Jermod McCoy was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders as the 101st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite being viewed as a first-round talent, he fell due to concerns over a knee injury sustained in early 2025.

Key points

Jermod McCoy was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders.
He was picked 101st overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Concerns over a knee injury caused his draft slide.
McCoy ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at pro day.
He missed the entire 2025 college football season due to injury.

Jermod McCoyTennesseeLas Vegas Raiders

Jermod McCoy finally taken by Raiders: Why CB fell in NFL draft

Jermod McCoy's extensive time as the 2026 NFL Draft's "best player available" ended almost immediately on Day 3. With the first pick of the fourth round, the Las Vegas Raiders selected the former Tennessee cornerback with the 101st overall pick.

McCoy was a consensus first-round talent who slipped all the way to the No. 101 because of concerns surrounding his injured knee. The Texas native underwent surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in January 2025 and he missed the entire subsequent college football season.

McCoy put short-term concerns regarding the knee by participating in Tennessee's pro day in March. He ran at 4.37 seconds in the 40-yard dash, which would've tied for the second-fastest time among cornerbacks at the NFL combine.

But multiple reports said teams have long-term hang-ups regarding the knee – specifically a bone plug used to repair cartilage.

By snagging McCoy, the Raiders are gaining a 6-1, 188-pound man-coverage specialist who has "superlative ball skills and ample tools to stick with receivers throughout their routes," according to USA TODAY Sports NFL draft guru Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz.

The Kansas City Chiefs traded up to take Louisiana State cornerback Mansoor Delane No. 6 overall on April 23. Many draft analysts and experts considered McCoy a similar caliber of player. McCoy's teammate, Colton Hood, went 37th overall to the New York Giants.

McCoy started his college career at Oregon State, where he played one season (2023).

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback depth chart

McCoy joins a secondary that includes Taron Johnson as the slot corner and outside corners Eric Stokes and . The Raiders addressed the secondary earlier in the draft by picking safety in the second round (38th overall).

Q&A

Why did Jermod McCoy fall in the NFL draft?

Jermod McCoy fell in the NFL draft due to concerns about his knee injury, specifically a torn ACL that required surgery in January 2025.

What pick did the Raiders use to select Jermod McCoy?

The Las Vegas Raiders selected Jermod McCoy with the 101st overall pick in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

What was Jermod McCoy's 40-yard dash time at pro day?

Jermod McCoy ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at Tennessee's pro day, which would have tied for the second-fastest time among cornerbacks at the NFL combine.

What injury did Jermod McCoy suffer before the draft?

Jermod McCoy suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which caused him to miss the entire college football season following his surgery.