Jermod McCoy has been cleared by doctors to play in the NFL after knee surgery, but is open to a second procedure if requested by the Las Vegas Raiders. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft due to health concerns.
Key points
Jermod McCoy's knee is healthy according to doctors
He is ready to play in the NFL
McCoy was drafted in the fourth round due to health concerns
Las Vegas Raiders selected him with the 101st pick
He is open to a second surgery if requested by the team
"All my doctors that did my surgery told me that Iām good. I feel like Iām good," McCoy said on April 25. "But if the team wants me to do something for the longevity of my career, Iām willing to do that. Iām going to listen to the team because I feel like they have my best interests in mind."
McCoy, a Tennessee Vols star, was considered the top cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft. But he dropped to the fourth round, where the Raiders took him with the 101st pick, because of concerns over his long-term health.
It was tragic fall, but McCoy took it in stride.
"Itās definitely difficult. But I know God has a plan for me," McCoy said. "I am just truly blessed that a team took me anyways because this is an achievement to get here in the first place."
Did Jermod McCoy expect to fall in NFL draft?
McCoy was a 2024 All-American and then suffered a torn ACL during a training session in January 2025. He did not play during Tennesseeās 2025 season but showed progress during individual drills at practice in August.
On March 31, McCoy ran the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds at Tennesseeās pro day. That would've tied for the second-fastest time among cornerbacks at the NFL scouting combine. He recorded a 38-inch vertical jump and 10 feet, 7 inches in the broad jump.
Q&A
What did doctors say about Jermod McCoy's knee health?
Doctors informed Jermod McCoy that his surgically-repaired knee is healthy and ready for NFL play.
Why did Jermod McCoy drop to the fourth round in the NFL Draft?
Jermod McCoy dropped to the fourth round due to concerns regarding his long-term health following knee surgery.
What team drafted Jermod McCoy in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Jermod McCoy was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders with the 101st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Is Jermod McCoy willing to undergo another surgery?
Yes, Jermod McCoy stated he is willing to have a second surgery if the Las Vegas Raiders believe it is necessary for his career longevity.
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It seemed to solidify him as an elite prospect, but reports early in the draft cast doubt. NFL teams were not concerned about his ACL, according to multiple reports, but they believed that surgery revealed potential degenerative problems in his knee, specifically in regards to a bone plug.
"I was prepared for whatever happened. But I thought I would go a little higher for sure because I had a good pro day, ran some good times and did some good things," McCoy said. "But I was prepared for whatever happened because itās not in my control. All of it is just motivation fueling me."
Why Jermod McCoy says 'this is still a blessing'
When McCoy was passed over in the first round and second and third, he could've turned off the draft. Instead, he said he kept watching it and hoping for an opportunity. The Raiders took him with the first pick on Day 3.
"I was watching for sure. This something you can't take this for granted. This is everyoneās dream," McCoy said. "You canāt just say, āI didnāt get drafted, so Iām not fixing to watch the draft anymore.ā This is still a blessing to get drafted. I was watching it. I got the call, and Iām super excited to get to work."
If healthy, the Raiders got a massive steal.
McCoy, 6-foot-1, 188-pounder, has elite athleticism, ideal size, speed, technique, instincts, competitive drive and performance. He excelled at Oregon State. Then he transferred to Tennessee, where he became an All-American and semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the best defensive back in college football.
But McCoy hasn't played in a game since Dec. 21, 2024, a loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff.
"Something I learned about myself (while sitting out the 2025 season) is that Iām super mentally strong," McCoy said. "Iāve been through a lot, and Iāve got a story that Iām still telling."
