Tennessee football has a gem in its defensive secondary: Jermod McCoy. Although he has only spent one year on campus so far, he has already proven to be one of the best corners in the country with his dominant play throughout the 2024 college football season.
His value is through the roof right now, as Pro Football Focus values the Vols Corner as the best in the country. Regardless of eligibility, PFF created a mock draft for all college football players, and McCoy came in as a first-round draft pick.
The Vols cornerback came in as the No. 29 overall draft pick in PFF's mock draft. He totaled 44 tackles and four interceptions in his sophomore season, landing him as a first-round pick with the Washington Commanders.
"McCoy could be the first cornerback selected in next year's draft," PFF's Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman writes. He ranked ninth among qualified FBS cornerbacks with an 89.6 PFF coverage grade in 2024. He also reeled in four interceptions and broke up six passes while allowing just two touchdowns all season. McCoy's presence would allow Mike Sainristil to move back to his natural slot position while creating a fearsome trio that also includes Marshon Lattimore."
Jermod McCoy was one of the Vols' biggest transfer portal signings last year. His addition to the Tennessee secondary vastly improved the back half of the defense.
Unfortunately, he will not start the 2025 season in Tennessee's secondary. He tore his ACL earlier this year and will be recovering throughout the summer and fall.
If he can return in time and make a big enough impact in his limited action for the Vols' defense, he could find himself as a first-round draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.