The Tennessee Vols were absolutely snubbed tonight in Pittsburgh during the NFL Draft. Many thought the Vols could have two first-rounders in cornerbacks Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood, but neither was selected.
Tennessee football makes top 5 for coveted 2027 4-star OL
Maybe this isn’t a huge surprise, as the writing was on the wall with Jermod McCoy and his ACL injury. Still, many think he's a legit top ten player in the class, but his medical history has really set him back and scared teams away from using a top-32 pick on him.
Teams may be overthinking this. Jermod McCoy was widely viewed as a top-10 pick entering last season, but knee injury concerns have caused his stock to slide. It’s surprising, especially after a strong pro day, that teams are still hesitant. While there are valid questions about his lateral movement, the season doesn’t start until September, and it’s only April. If teams are that concerned about his long-term knee health, it’s important to keep things in perspective. Would you rather have a stand-out player who has CB1 potential who maybe in seven years might not be as good, or take a flier on a guy who could be out of the league in a few years?
Whoever gets McCoy in round two is getting an absolute steal. He has All-Pro potential, and he will go in the second round. I assume he will be a very high target for plenty of teams tomorrow night.
3 potential landing spots for Jermod McCoy
1. Buffalo Bills
McCoy would be a good fir for Buffalo as they have traded back multiple times this draft. They need help in their secondary and with their influx of extra picks they can afford to wait on McCoy should they view he's not ready to start from day one this fall.
2. New York Giants
The New York Giants got a steal at pick No. 5 by selecting Arvell Reese out of Ohio State, adding to an already strong group of edge rushers. They also bolstered the offensive line with Francis Mauigoa to protect their franchise quarterback. If they can add more depth in the secondary, John Harbaugh’s team could emerge as a serious threat in the NFC East next season.
3. Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals gave up their first-round pick to acquire Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants, but they still come out in a strong position by landing Jermod McCoy. They address a major need after struggling in the secondary last season while also adding a player with clear first-round talent.