The Detroit Lions hold the 17th overall pick in the NFL Draft, and while conventional wisdom points them toward an offensive tackle or edge rusher, a new, intriguing name has entered the conversation. According to NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah, the Lions could be eyeing a potential draft-day steal in Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy.

McCoy's situation is a classic high-risk, high-reward scenario. The 6-foot-1, 188-pound defensive back is coming off a missed 2025 season after tearing his right ACL during an offseason workout. However, his 2024 tape with the Volunteers tells the story of a top-tier talent. That season, he was a second-team AP All-American and All-SEC selection, racking up 44 tackles, four interceptions, and nine pass breakups, showcasing the kind of playmaking ability that can transform a secondary.

Jeremiah is particularly bullish on McCoy's potential, stating, "Jermod McCoy has top-10 talent. Like, it’s legit... if you hit on that one, you’ve got a dynamic difference maker." The Lions, under GM Brad Holmes, have shown a willingness to bet on elite talent recovering from injury. The most direct parallel is the 2022 draft, where Holmes traded up to select Alabama receiver Jameson Williams at No. 12 overall, just months after Williams suffered an ACL tear in the national championship game.

While the needs at tackle and edge are apparent, adding a lockdown corner of McCoy's caliber would address another critical area for a Lions defense looking to take the next step. If Detroit's medical staff is confident in his recovery, pulling the trigger on McCoy at No. 17 could be the kind of bold move that pays massive dividends, giving the Lions' defense a true game-changer on the back end.