Jermod McCoy — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Several Rams' corners — Ahkello Witherspoon, Decobie Durant, Derion Kendrick, and A.J. Green — are scheduled for free agency after the upcoming season. Despite tearing his ACL in January, Tennessee's All-SEC corner has the size, speed and ball skills (four interceptions, 13 passes defended in 2024) to still be the CB1 in this draft class. McCoy is also one of the youngest prospects in this draft class who won't turn 21 until four months after the 2026 NFL Draft.

McCoy had four interceptions last season after transferring in from Oregon State. He has good size and the ball production to match. Jim Harbaugh nabs a ball hawk for the secondary in the first round.

With Jalen Ramsey on the trade block, the Dolphins need young defensive backs. McCoy makes plenty of sense here as an active, physical corner. He exhibits great awareness and has a quick read on routes run in his coverage. He had four interceptions and eight pass breakups last season, so the ball skills are there, too. McCoy could be CB1 next year if his game continues to ascend.

McCoy (6-0, 193 pounds) boasts the second-highest coverage grade among returning Power 4 corners, allowing a dirt-low 15.8 QBR and 1.06 yards per coverage snap. It was a surprise when the Packers took a WR (Matthew Golden) in the first round for the first time in two decades. They now strengthen their secondary in order to deal with the fleet of talented wideouts in Minnesota, Chicago, and Detroit.

The Oregon State Beavers transfer didn't look out of place as one of the best corners in the SEC (four interceptions), and a key member of a College Football Playoff team. He should test off the charts at the combine and the fact that he'll be tested more in 2025 after the departure of some of the Vols pass rushers could further enhance his stock as the potential CB1 in the draft.

After playing his freshman season at Oregon State, McCoy enjoyed a breakout sophomore season after transferring to the Volunteers (13 passes defended and four interceptions). His ball instincts consistently stood out when I studied Tennessee's defense last season.

Patience could pay off for Los Angeles, as the Rams can reap the rewards of this year's trade back with the Falcons by landing a player who could reshape their secondary. The jump from Oregon State to Tennessee didn't prove to be too much for McCoy to handle, as the 6-0, 193-pounder snared four interceptions and earned second-team All-American honors after locking down the Southeastern Conference. His placement here could be precarious after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in January, but if he's able to bounce back and return to action, he would have a strong case to be the first cornerback selected next year.