‘They’re just not doing it’ – Dallas Cowboys insider shuts down popular first-round scenario ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft

There are a lot of avenues the Dallas Cowboys can take in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. But insiders keep ruling one out, and it involves one of the top cornerback prospects.

Mauricio Rodriguez Dallas Cowboys News Writer
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Jan 27, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; (L to R) Dallas Cowboys CEO Stephen Jones,head coach Brian Schottenheimer and owner Jerry Jones pose for pictures after a press conference at the Star.
Jan 27, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; (L to R) Dallas Cowboys CEO Stephen Jones,head coach Brian Schottenheimer and owner Jerry Jones pose for pictures after a press conference at the Star. Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

It’s anyone’s guess what the Dallas Cowboys do or don’t do in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft but multiple insiders continue to rule out a popular scenario that’s been mocked for months now.

And it happens to involve one of the most talented prospects in this year’s class.

Cowboys not picking Jermod McCoy at No. 12 overall, says insider

Cowboys insider Bobby Belt recently discussed Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy during a segment on 105.3 The Fan, and he vehemently shut down the idea that Dallas could pick him at No. 12 overall.

“The big contingent that exists right now is saying ‘just sit there and take Jermod McCoy,’ and I love that y’all love him, but (the Cowboys) are not taking him at 12,” Belt said on the air. “They’re just not doing it.”

McCoy’s film shows true CB1 potential, displaying sticky coverage, ball skills, and top-notch explosiveness. However, a torn ACL that kept him from playing in the 2025 season means his film comes from 2024.

Jerry Jones said earlier in the year the Cowboys couldn’t afford to draft a redshirt rookie. While it’s unclear if McCoy would be that after he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds, multiple insiders including Belt have suggested the Cowboys aren’t interested in picking McCoy, at least not at No. 12.

Nick Harris reported after the NFL Scouting Combine that he’d cross off McCoy as a candidate for Dallas. Former team scout Bryan Broaddus has also alluded to Dallas not being interested.

McCoy not among Cowboys pre-draft visits

To add to the speculation, as of today, the Cowboys aren’t hosting McCoy on a pre-draft visit. They are hosting other first-round CB prospects like Mansoor Delane (LSU), Chris Johnson (San Diego State), and Brandon Cisse (South Carolina).

They’re also hosting Day 2 targets at the cornerback position such as Keionte Scott (Miami) and Malik Muhammad (Texas).

McCoy currently ranks 15th on A to Z Sports’ consensus board available at our draft simulator.