Why Raiders Took Major Swing on Jermod McCoy

The Las Vegas Raiders may have landed the steal of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) warms up during a Tennessee football practice, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. | Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders ended Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy's unprecedented slide, taking him in the fourth round with the No. 101 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

On tape alone, McCoy was the best cornerback in the draft class and was a top-10 talent. However, there's a major reason he didn't make the top 10, or even the first two days.

Jermod McCoy during Tennessee Football Pro Day 2026, at University of Tennessee on March 31, 2026. | Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

McCoy suffered a torn ACL before the 2025 season and missed the entire campaign. While that knee is healthy now, he is also dealing with a cartilage issue that may require another procedure.

With more injuries to attend to, most teams in McCoy's expected draft range took him off their boards and allowed him to slip out of the first three rounds.

How Long McCoy Has Been Away From Football

Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) jogs during warm-ups before a NCAA football game between Tennessee Volunteers and New Mexico State Aggies at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Nov. 15, 2025. | Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

If he misses another season of football because of that procedure, the last time he appeared in a game would be December 21, 2024 -- 495 days ago.

Let's say he does have the surgery, and he can't play until the 2027 season. Hypothetically, that season wouldn't start until Sept. 11. That's 994 days.

Jermod McCoy runs during Tennessee Football Pro Day 2026, at University of Tennessee on March 31, 2026. | Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It makes sense why teams would take McCoy off their boards and avoid that risk. But the Raiders are in a perfect position to take the swing.

Why Raiders Are Gambling on Jermod McCoy

Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) points down the field during a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. | Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The board essentially fell perfectly for Las Vegas, allowing General Manager John Spytek to wait out the rest of the league. By taking him on Day 3, he had two full days to think about taking the chance on McCoy's medicals.

There's also a chance McCoy doesn't have to have another procedure on his knee, and he can play some amount of football during his rookie season. If that becomes a reality, the Raiders will have landed the steal of the draft.

Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) reacts after gaining control of a fumble during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. | Stephanie Amador / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Plus, it's not like the Raiders need McCoy to be Patrick Surtain or Sauce Gardner right away. They're not in any position to compete for the playoffs just yet, and even if they were, they wouldn't rush him back because of the defensive back talent already on the roster.

Las Vegas added three other defensive backs in the draft and re-signed Eric Stokes in free agency. The Raiders don't need to throw McCoy into the fire if he isn't completely healthy.

Dec 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) warms up before the game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

On tape, McCoy looks like a future franchise cornerback. It all depends on whether his knee can recover correctly.

The Raiders are the perfect team to be patient with McCoy.