2026 NFL Draft Profile: CB Jermod McCoy (Tennessee)
When McCoy gets his hands on the ball, he converts PBUs into turnovers.
BIO & BACKGROUND
Jermod McCoy (6-0, 193 lbs) is a native of Whitehouse, Texas, a program known for producing elite athletic talent (notably Patrick Mahomes). A multi-sport standout in high school, McCoy won state titles in both the long jump and triple jump—explosive traits that show up immediately on his game tape. Despite his athletic pedigree, McCoy was a three-star prospect who began his collegiate career at Oregon State.
After a promising freshman campaign in Corvallis (31 tackles, 2 INTs), McCoy transferred to Tennessee, seeking the heightened competition of the SEC. He wasted no time making his mark in Knoxville, transforming the Volunteers’ secondary with his ball-hawking ability. McCoy’s 2024 tape at Tennessee showed the kind of polished technique, reactive quickness, and playmaking range that NFL defensive coordinators covet in a modern boundary corner.
While his path faced adversity—specifically a torn ACL suffered in January 2025 that threatened to derail his junior season—McCoy attacked his rehabilitation with a “pro mindset.” He returned to the field IN 9 MONTHS to cement himself as one of the premier defensive backs in the nation, earning First-Team All-SEC honors and proving his durability and resilience to NFL evaluators.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION 2025
Following an intense rehabilitation process, McCoy’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of a statement. Tasked with shadowing opposing WR1s in the SEC, he delivered elite production that silenced injury concerns.
Tackles: ~44 Total Tackles
Interceptions: 4 (High-impact turnovers)
Passes Defensed: 13
Coverage Grade: Elite “Lockdown” Tier
His “havoc rate” (interceptions + pass breakups) ranked among the best in the nation. The statistic that stands out most from his 2025 tape is his finishing ability; when McCoy gets his hands on the ball, he converts PBUs into turnovers. His production opposite elite competition solidified his status as a cornerback who doesn’t just survive in coverage—he dictates the terms.
Jermod McCoy Stats Via VOLS Website
SCOUTING REPORT
STRENGTHS
Elite Ball Skills: Tracks the football like a wide receiver (his former position). consistently attacks the catch point rather than waiting for the ball to arrive.
Fluidity & Mirroring: Possesses loose, oily hips that allow him to mirror complex route trees without losing leverage or speed.
Competitive “Dog” Mentality: Brings a physical edge to the perimeter. He is a willing tackler in space—a non-negotiable trait for Detroit—and fights violently through the catch point.
Zone Instincts: displays exceptional timing in zone coverage, baiting quarterbacks into dangerous throws before closing with explosive burst.
Press Technique: Capable of disrupting timing at the line of scrimmage without overextending.
DEVELOPING AREAS (Growth Opportunities)
Physicality Penalties: Can get overly physical at the top of the route, leading to potential holding or DPI flags at the NFL level.
Gambling Tendencies: occasionally trusts his instincts too aggressively, leaving him susceptible to double moves if the pass rush doesn’t get home.
Press Balance: Will need to refine his anchor in press coverage to avoid getting bumped off his spot by larger, prototypical NFL X-receivers.
Long Speed Recovery: While fluid, his straight-line recovery speed against elite Speed deep threats is good but not world-class; relies on technique to prevent separation.
Limited single-high reps: Thrived in match-quarters; needs more experience in deep-zone rotations.
FILM STUDY
McCoy’s film highlights a corner with rare mirroring ability and short-area burst. His transitions are crisp, and his closing speed stands out on in-breaking routes or comebacks. He’s disruptive at the catch point with natural receiver-like hands, tallying six interceptions and 16 pass breakups in 2024. Against the run, he’s a willing tackler who maintains leverage and rarely misses in space.
DETROIT LIONS COMPATIBILITY: SCHEME & FIT
In Defensive Coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s system, cornerbacks are required to be islands. The scheme demands defenders who can play aggressive press-man coverage and reliably support the run. McCoy fits this mold perfectly. His ability to play “face-up” defense allows the Lions to stack the box or bring pressure, knowing the boundary is secure. Pairing McCoy with Terrion Arnold (2024 1st Round Pick) would give Detroit two young, SEC-battle-tested corners who thrive on physical contact.
Culture & Identity: McCoy is a quintessential Dan Campbell player. His resilience in returning from his ACL injury to play at an All-American level speaks to the “GRIT” & “Resilience” identity of the franchise. Coaches rave about his dedication to film study and his confident swagger—he doesn’t just play corner; he competes. He has no reported legal or character red flags, making him a “safe” investment for a locker room that values high-character competitors.
ANALYSIS & QUOTES
The Athleticism: “McCoy brings scheme versatility... His instinctive understanding of spatial relationships allows him to process information faster than most.”
The It-Factor: “If my grading ended today on him I would have a blue chip grade on Jermod McCoy... this is a top 10 pick all day in my opinion if healthy… He’s a turnover creator." ~ Joe DeLeone
McCoy's Versatility: “Defenses with varying schemes, particularly those emphasizing zone patterns, highlight his football IQ and spatial awareness, he can process information quickly and anticipate plays.” ~ NFL Scout
Coaching Staff View On Rehab: “He's handled it really well from the very beginning. Just his mindset and how he's approached every single day... He's done an elite job throughout his rehab.” ~ HC Josh Heupel
“The most competitive in the room, I can honestly say, he's itching to do whatever it takes.” ~ DB Coach Willie Martinez
Pro Comp: “Jermod McCoy is magnetic in coverage... My pro comparison for Jermod McCoy is Pittsburgh Steelers [former Detroit Lions] cornerback Darius Slay... Slay earlier in his career was a guy who played more press coverage, had the high-end ball skills and athletic traits.” ~ Joe DeLeone
NFL DRAFT PROJECTION
Measurables:
Height: 6’0” | Weight: 193 lbs | Arm Length: N/A | Hands: N/A
40-Yard Dash (Est): 4.45s
Round Projection: Late 1st Round / Early 2nd Round
NFL Comparison: Darius Slay (Prime) / DJ Reed
Rationale: McCoy possesses the sticky coverage and ball production of a young Darius Slay, combined with the scrappy, toughness and tackling willingness of DJ Reed.
Additional Pro Comps: Devon Witherspoon / Greg Newsome II / Rock Ya-Sin (early-career) — mirrors Witherspoon’s physicality, Newsome’s route smoothness, and Ya-Sin’s short-area burst in press.
Team Fits:
Detroit Lions: Do the Lions trade DJ Reed after a lackluster performance in 2025? A direct need for a CB2 to pair with Arnold or Reed. The unknown injury timing with Arnold could play a factor.
Indianapolis Colts: Need playmakers in the secondary who can play zone.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Desperate for consistent coverage on the perimeter.
FINAL TAKE
Jermod McCoy is the exact type of cornerback the modern NFL covets: athletic, intelligent, and productive. While the medical history (2025 ACL rehab) will require a thorough check by team doctors at the Combine, his 2025 production on tape proves he has returned to form. For the Detroit Lions, McCoy represents the final piece of a secondary overhaul. If he returns to pre-injury form, McCoy’s combination of quickness, coverage IQ, and ball skills could elevate him into a perennial Pro Bowl-caliber CB1.
Way To Early Prediction:
Brad Holmes trades 2027 future 2nd & 4th round picks to move into the 2nd round of 2026 NFL draft — inside pick #37.
However, I would not select a corner over the major need at offensive line in 2026. In my opinion, Brad Holmes would have to trade away 2027 draft capital to move into the 2nd round, without sacrificing the any of the 1st, 2nd & 4th round picks in 2026 for this to make sense.
Ennis Rakestraw is now two years behind schedule, Terrion Arnold just underwent his 2nd surgery with his time table for return a bit cloudy. DJ Reed did not perform well after coming back from the his second major hamstring injury. The Lions could really use a fresh competitor with his play style—aggressive, instinctual, and physical—mirrors the identity of the team.
If he is available when Detroit picks in the second round, he offers immediate starting value and the potential to form one of the league’s best young cornerback rooms in the league.
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Solid breakdown on McCoy's recovery timeline and the ball production stats. The Darius Slay comp feels spot on, especially the focus on turnovers over just coverage. Watching corner prospects come back from ACL tears is always a test oftheir fluidity, but that 9 month return with First-Team All-SEC performance kinda proves the athleticism stayed intact. Curious if the gambling tendenceis coachable or if its just how his instincts are wired.