Long-time NFL Draft analyst Peter Schrager just released his latest projection for the first 32 picks of this year's draft.
With certain players, like Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, seemingly cementing their places in the Draft, quite a few athletes saw a drastic change to their projected selection, including none other than Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy.
In the mock draft, Schrager dropped McCoy all the way to the 30th overall pick, a far cry from some expectations that he could be a top-10 selection.
However, Schrager noted that McCoy's ongoing knee issues have turned into a massive question mark, if not a glaring red flag, for a number of franchises looking for a star defensive back.
"The concerns around McCoy's knee are real, so I think he does go a little later than previously thought... I don't think he falls out of the first round," Schrager wrote. "When healthy, McCoy can be a difference-maker."
Jermod McCoy's knee has him on the brink of missing the 1st Round
Of course, getting drafted at all is a massive accomplishment for any player, but the change in incentives and rookie contracts depending on when a player gets drafted is huge.
To put it lightly, McCoy could stand to make hundreds of thousands more dollars if he were taken in the first round of the NFL Draft instead of the second.
However, like Schrager said, McCoy's knee injury is an ongoing concern. The cornerback didn't record a single snap during the 2025 season, sidelined by a torn ACL and the subsequent surgery.
Now, despite going through rehabilitation and sitting out an entire season, there are fears that McCoy could require a second surgery, leaving him sidelined for even longer. So, why would a team use a first-round pick, especially an early first-round pick, on a player who might not even be able to play?
Like Schrager also mentioned, McCoy can be one of the most elite players in the country when he's healthy. During his sophomore season, he earned 44 total tackles (26 solo), seven pass deflections, and four interceptions for 71 yards.
The 2026 NFL Draft is set to kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 23, and continue through Saturday, April. 25. The draft will be available on the NFL Network, ABC, and ESPN.
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