1 Notable Aspect of Raiders OTAs Worth Watching

The Las Vegas Raiders will have a new look when they take the field in 2026. One player's performance in Organized Training Activities, and potentially, training camp, will be worth keeping an eye on.

Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders entered the offseason in desperate need of additional help at cornerback. Las Vegas re-signed Eric Stokes, and Darien Porter continues to progress as he enters his second season. The Raiders also still have serviceable reserve cornerbacks on the roster.

Nov 23, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders helmets on the sidelines at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Jermod McCoy's Development

Yet, Las Vegas' need for corners was so glaring that they drafted two additional cornerbacks this offseason after drafting Porter last offseason and trading for Taron Johnson this offseason. Las Vegas plays in a division with three of the best quarterbacks in the league; they need more corners.

The Raiders added a first-round talent in the fourth round when they drafted cornerback Jermod McCoy. However, the reason they were able to do so will be worth keeping an eye on. McCoy missed the 2025 college football season with an injury and is expected to need an additional surgery.

Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive line coach Rob Leonard against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Although they undoubtedly have a plan in mind, it remains to be seen how the Raiders intend to address McCoy's health concerns. However, McCoy has been on the field during Organized Team Activities, working through the beginning stages of becoming a professional.

Selecting McCoy in the fourth round was a low-risk, high-reward move by the Raiders that gives them the chance to upgrade a significant need. Even if McCoy does not work out, Las Vegas would only have lost the fourth-round pick they drafted him with and a seventh-round pick in next year's draft.

Jul 24, 2025; Henderson, NV, USA; A Las Vegas Raiders shield logo flag at the Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Las Vegas' need at cornerback warranted such a move from Raiders General Manager John Spytek. The Raiders have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. Even if McCoy marginally works out for the Raiders, he would have done more than next year's seventh-round pick would have.

Drafting McCoy makes plenty of sense for Las Vegas and could expedite their rebuild. They do not need much from McCoy, which allows them to take their time with his development. Klint Kubiak feels McCoy is gradually coming along in OTAs.

May 20, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jermod McCoy (28) practices during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images | Candice Ward-Imagn Images

“He's been excellent. He's come in here and worked his tail off, doing everything that we've asked him to do. He's gotten out there on the practice field and has shown the player that we've seen on tape, so just looking forward to progressing him, along with all those new DBs," Kubiak said.

"It's an impressive group, really well-coached group by Joe [Woods] ,and Matt [Robinson], and Robbie [Leonard]. Very competitive young men right now in that defensive back room." 

How the Raiders Should Handle McCoy

May 20, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak speaks during a news conference during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images | Candice Ward-Imagn Images

The Raiders should take their time with McCoy. Getting him on the field in OTAs and potentially training camp is a wise move for his psyche. After missing football for an entire season due to injury, every player needs to get back on the field as soon as possible, from a mental standpoint.

Still, McCoy's physical health will be his main concern until he can prove that he is the player that he was, or close to, when he last took the field. The Raiders would be wise to have McCoy undergo the recommended surgery, which could allow him to miss the entire 2026 season.

Oct 19, 2024; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams (2) is unable to make a catch while against Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Alan Poizner-Imagn Images | Alan Poizner / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Kubiak noted that the Raiders have a plan for McCoy moving forward but did not provide much detail on what it entails. It will take time to figure out, but McCoy's future with the team could grow into a significant part of their rebuild.

“I think Alex Guerrero has a great plan for him as far as how many yards we give him a day, the rest that we give them, the time on the field as opposed to the turf. But the great thing about Jermod [McCoy] thus far is he's responded really well," Kubiak said.