Did Jermod McCoy get drafted? Why Tennessee star cornerback had surprise 1st-round NFL Draft fate originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Jermod McCoy was slated to be a first-round NFL Draft pick.Cornerback is a key position, and the CB from the Tennessee Volunteers certainly has the ability.But somehow, his Thursday night didn't work out the way he planned.2026 NFL DRAFT HQ:Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Best players still availableDid Jermod McCoy get drafted?Not in the first round, no.The first round was the only one on Thursday night, and 32 picks came and went without McCoy.The second and third rounds will arrive Friday night, and McCoy should go off the board relatively quickly.He's ESPN's best player available on their rankings after the first round.BEST DRAFT NAMES: Ephesians Prysock | R Mason Thomas | DeVonta Smith | Zxavian HarrisWhy didn't Jermod McCoy get drafted in first round?This must be an injury concern, at least in large part.That ESPN ranking board says of McCoy:"McCoy tore an ACL in January 2025, causing him to miss the entirety of last season.
In 2024, McCoy led the Volunteers with 13 passes defended and tied for the team lead with four interceptions. He shows the ability to read a receiver's break and displays good timing when reaching in to break up passes. His frame and balance make it difficult for receivers to push him around at the top of routes, and he has the speed to turn and run downfield.
He also does a good job of reading the quarterback, playing the ball rather than the man and breaking on throws in zone looks. His length and frame allow him to consistently compete for 50-50 balls. Despite coming off an injury, he has redeeming traits that flash on film."Missing a whole season does matter, whether McCoy likes it or not.More NFL Draft news:Chiefs make a shocking draft tradeCommanders get Sonny Styles after historic NFL Draft CombineSteelers' 1st-round pick didn't play football until collegeEagles and Cowboys have made a trade like this beforeBrowns' pick is really about Shedeur Sanders' replacement