National outlet has Tennessee Vol as the top prospect at his position in way-too-early 2026 NFL Draft projection
With the 2025 NFL Draft in our rearview mirror, it's never too early, it seems, for the national media outlets to turn their sights towards the 2026 version. And that could ultimately end up being good news for one Tennessee Vol. Pro Football Focus put out their big board for the 2026 NFL Draft, and […]
With the 2025 NFL Draft in our rearview mirror, it's never too early, it seems, for the national media outlets to turn their sights towards the 2026 version.
And that could ultimately end up being good news for one Tennessee Vol.
Pro Football Focus put out their big board for the 2026 NFL Draft, and Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy checked in at #8 overall. He's the site's top overall cornerback as well.
This is what PFF's Max Chadwick and Trevor Sikkema had to say about McCoy:
The current favorite to be the top corner selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, McCoy was a lockdown player for the Volunteers after transferring in from Oregon State. His 89.6 PFF coverage grade in 2024 is second among returning Power Four corners, while his four interceptions were tied for second in that same group.
McCoy possesses exceptional ball skills and phenomenal movement ability, scoring a near-perfect 99.9 in PFF’s Game Athleticism Score metric.
There's no doubt that McCoy came in and was one of the breakthrough players of the season for the Tennessee Vols. The Oregon State transfer was a rock on the Vols defense that carried them to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.
McCoy finished his 2024 season allowing a 50% completion percentage on passes thrown his way (31 catches on 62 targets) with 6 pass breakups and 4 interceptions. But his success wasn't limited to his play in coverage. He was a very physical and capable tackler, with just a 7.0% missed tackle rate last year. Pro Football Focus gave him an overall defensive grade of 87.0 and a tackling mark of 79.0.
McCoy's draft status will surely be tied to how well he rebounds from an ACL tear he suffered back in January. If he's able to return without missing too much time and step in playing at a high level, then perhaps there's a chance that the Tennessee standout will hear his name called in the first round next April.
We'll see in August when fall camp begins how close McCoy is to being able to take the field and help the Vols' defense put forth another strong performance in 2026.
New Raiders WR Dont’e Thornton looking to prove he can run intermediate routes in the NFL after playing in Tennessee’s unique offense
Not a great endorsement of the Vols’ offense
