Raiders snag 1st-round caliber talent in the 4th round with Jermod McCoy

Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) before a college football game between Tennessee and UAB at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Sept. 20, 2025. | Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It’s not often that NFL teams are able to snag first-round caliber talent in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, but the Raiders did just that on Saturday with the selection of Jermod McCoy, cornerback, Tennessee.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Stats & Accolades

• 2023 (Oregon State): 31 tackles, .5 tackle for loss, 2 interceptions, 7 pass breakups, fumble recovery

• 2024 (Tennessee): 44 tackles, .5 tackle for loss, 4 interceptions, 9 pass breakups, Second-Team All-American, First-Team All-SEC

• 2025 (Tennessee): Torn ACL, missed entire season

What the Raiders are getting:

Despite a torn ACL that took away his entire 2025 season, McCoy is still seen as the top cornerback in this year’s class after two productive seasons across stints at Oregon State and Tennessee. McCoy is a loose-hipped cornerback with excellent click-and-close ability to stick with the shiftiest of receivers. His athleticism consistently puts him in position to make plays on the ball, exhibited by his six interceptions and 16 pass breakups in just two collegiate seasons. Due to the uncertainty of how he’ll look once returned from his injury, McCoy has the chance to be one of the biggest steals in this year’s draft.

Strengths

• Elite explosion in his lower body (former long/triple jumper)
• Does not feel content just sitting in zone assignment and will expand his coverage area
• Click-and-close speed is eye-popping and will not be an easy get on curls/comebacks