‘It’s not the ACL’ — NFL insider offers clarity on exactly what the concern is with Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy’s knee
The former Vol’s knee has been the subject of much discussion and debate for the last few months. On the eve of the draft, an insider reveals just what all the fuss is specifically about.
Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy is arguably the most talented cornerback with the highest ceiling in this entire draft. And that’s after missing an entire season with a torn ACL last year and no tape since December 2024.
However, as has not been a secret, McCoy’s draft status has been up in the air after missing all of 2025 and not running or participating in drills beyond the bench press at the NFL Combine. After blazing a 4.37 40-yard dash at Tennessee’s Pro Day last month and posting a 38-inch vertical jump and a 10 foot, 7 inch broad jump, McCoy showed he can move just fine over a year later.
However, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the concern is not the ACL, but rather a different condition in his knee. Pelissero said team medical staff are concerned about a bone plug used to repair a cartilage defect in his knee.
Tom Pelissero says teams are concerned about a bone plug in Jermod McCoy’s knee, not his ACL
“Let’s talk about what this is and what it is not,” Pelissero said. “It’s not the ACL that he had reconstructed. My understanding is the ACL itself is fine. All the scans look good.
“The concern is about a bone plug that was used to repair a cartilage defect in his knee. Some of the doctors that have seen his scans are concerned that he will need another surgery to replace that bone plug, which would be an extensive recovery.
“We know this, Ian — McCoy feels good. He certainly looked it. Ran really well at his Pro Day. In his mind, he is fully anticipating being ready to roll in the 2026 season. But you’ve got 32 team doctors, 32 degrees of risk tolerance. Everybody is looking at this — this is a top 10 talent who potentially may not go that high. May not even go in round one.”
It’s particularly unfortunate for McCoy because this is all a situation beyond his control, and is one that could cost him significant dollars this week in the draft. McCoy did the only thing he could do, and that’s blaze the turf at his Pro Day and show that, should a team take him, he has the explosiveness back in his knee.
Of course, it only takes one team to decide that McCoy is worth the risk in order to pull the trigger in round one. Kansas City at No. 29 could be that team if he slides.
The Chiefs are in desperate need of cornerback help after losing both of their starters from 2025 to the Los Angeles Rams. With Patrick Mahomes and a bevy of weapons, the Chiefs could decide that McCoy is their best option to at least help them win in the short term.
The Dolphins and Seahawks also hold picks at the end of the first round and could be in the market for a corner.