The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching fast and league scouts are solidifying their big boards. Defensive Back Jermod McCoy could be among the players who hear their name called early in Pittsburgh this week when the NFL welcomes its newest class of rookies.
USA TODAY Sports has all the latest on where the prospect out of Tennessee may land.
Here's how USA TODAY's latest mock draft currently projects draft day will play out for the former college star.
(Pick No. 24 from the Jacksonville Jaguars) So this scenario has unfolded in such a way to suggest that maybe Cleveland needs to strongly consider taking a wideout at No. 6 and wait until here to see whats available from an offensive line perspective. But, at this point, better to reevaluate the receivers at No. 39 and go best available. And McCoy could be a steal at this spot especially for a team thats in more of a long-term planning phase and doesnt need to rush him as his recovery from a torn ACL that cost him the 2025 season continues. The 4.37 40-yard dash he ran at the Vols pro day was a great sign hes on track, if not all the way back though McCoy was practicing by the end of his final year in Knoxville.
McCoy didn't play in 2025 due to an ACL tear in January and that could impact where he lands if medicals do not check out. If he's cleared, he'll be potentially the first cornerback off the board. His fantastic athleticism is paired with ideal outside cornerback size (6-foot, 195 pounds) and scheme versatility. His ball skills should translate to the NFL as well.
McCoy's rise was rapid and steep. He was an under-recruited high school player who didn't spend much time on the prospect camp circuit. Instead, he played baseball, ran track and spent time at wide receiver rather than cornerback. But he had an immediate impact at Oregon State and then transferred to Tennessee to become an All-American. McCoy checks every box needed for a first-round cornerback. The only drawback is the torn ACL that sidelined him for 15 months. But he ran the 40 in 4.37 at Tennessees Pro Day and worked out well, likely assuaging concerns of most NFL teams. -- Adam Sparks, Knoxville News Sentinel
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place between April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
Time: 8 p.m. ET (Round 1); 7 p.m. ET (Rounds 2-3); Noon ET (Rounds 4-7)
Streaming: NFL+; ESPN Unlimited & Select; Fubo
Fans have several options to choose from to watch the 2026 NFL Draft. NFL Network and ESPN will have separate broadcasts, each providing a different analysis of each pick as it happens on draft night.
Cord-cutters can stream the different broadcasts on NFL+, the NFL's proprietary streaming service; ESPN Select or ESPN Unlimited, ESPN's streaming services; or cable alternative Fubo , which offers a free trial.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jermod McCoy 2026 NFL mock draft: latest prediction for Tennessee Defensive Back