Tennessee Volunteers cornerback Jermod McCoy, widely projected as a top pick for NFL teams needing elite cornerbacks, was not selected in the first two days of the 2026 NFL Draft. This surprised many, but Yahoo Sports senior NFL reporter Charles Robinson provided insight. After speaking with teams, Robinson revealed that the issue was not the 2025 ACL tear but a "bone plug" — a piece of bone and cartilage used to repair a degenerative cartilage issue in the same knee.
Doctors have indicated that this bone plug will need replacement again in the future. One team told Robinson that if the next surgery is unsuccessful, it could "effectively end McCoy's career." The Dallas Cowboys were linked to McCoy because their team doctor, Dan Cooper, is a leading expert in bone plug surgeries. However, Sports Illustrated's Josh Sanchez suggested the Cowboys should avoid drafting McCoy due to their "no redshirt" policy, which would require him to sit out a year. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones previously stated that players unable to contribute in 2026 were "pushed back" in his mind.
The Kansas City Chiefs were also linked to McCoy. Arrowhead Addict's Matt Conner noted that the Chiefs' success with Trey Smith, who was drafted despite blood clot issues, could encourage them to take a risk on McCoy. Smith, undrafted in 2021 due to blood clots, became one of the highest-paid offensive linemen after the Chiefs took a chance on him.
Ultimately, the Las Vegas Raiders selected McCoy in the fourth round, 101st overall. CBS Sports' Jared Dublin had predicted the Raiders among six potential teams for McCoy hours before the draft. The Raiders had the thinnest cornerback room, with only Treydan Stukes, Eric Stokes, Darien Porter, Decamerion Richardson, and Chigozie Anusiem under contract at outside corner, plus Taron Johnson in the slot. McCoy's addition strengthens their secondary, reminiscent of the Raiders' belief in Maxx Crosby when other teams passed on him.
