The biggest storyline of draft weekend was former Vol cornerback Jermod McCoy sliding down boards due to a lingering knee issue that could require another surgery, despite being a clear first-round talent. Every team except the Las Vegas Raiders passed on him, but the good news is he’s expected to be ready to suit up this fall.
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There’s optimism from the Las Vegas team doctors, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, that Jermod McCoy will be able to suit up next season. Now the former Tennessee cornerback has a real shot to prove every team that passed on him made a big mistake.
The Raiders are “optimistic” about rookie CB Jermod McCoy’s chances to play in 2026, per @JFowlerESPN pic.twitter.com/CjS74ZBe8p
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) April 30, 2026
The Raiders are optimistic about Jermod McCoy playing
This is definitely encouraging, especially since many thought Jermod McCoy might need another surgery. The Las Vegas medical staff must have seen something they liked, because they believe he’ll be ready to play. There’s still some long-term risk, but his camp says he’s feeling good and ready to go.
The 40-yard dash at the Pro Day also suggests he is ready. He may not have all of his lateral movement back, but McCoy is obviously feeling solid if he can run a 4.37 dash time after being out 15 months. The preseason will be big for McCoy. He will get a chance to play in live reps while refining his game, but it's not as do-or-die as it is when they have the 17 regular-season games.
The Vegas secondary needs a ton of work, so McCoy will have an Opportunity to compete right away. Last season under Pete Carroll, the Raiders were 29th in PFF's coverage grade, and they need another starter alongside Eric Stokes, who was their only reliable cornerback last fall.
It’s definitely encouraging that Jermod McCoy should be ready to play, but there could still be some early bumps. He has tons of talent, but he’s also been away from football for a while, so the adjustment to the NFL could take a bit longer than one may expect. Either way, it will be fun to see McCoy on the gridiron next fall and seeing him blossom.
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