The Las Vegas Raiders think they may have gotten one of the biggest bargains in the 2026 NFL Draft, and rookie cornerback Jermod McCoy is the reason why.
McCoy arrived with first-round talent after a standout run at Tennessee, but worries about the long-term health of his right knee pushed him all the way to the fourth round. The Raiders wasted no time scooping him up, betting on a defensive back who could become a real difference-maker in their secondary.
So far, the team has been careful with him. McCoy’s work during organized team activities was limited, but even in a small sample he made himself hard to miss.
“He jumps out when he does individual [drills] with how explosive he is, and you see the talent,” defensive coordinator Rob Leonard said.
That explosiveness is part of why the Raiders are so eager to get a longer look at him once training camp opens. The organization has taken a measured approach throughout the offseason, making health the priority instead of pushing him too soon. Head coach Brian Kubiak said the team has worked closely with vice president of player health and performance Ted Guerrero to make sure McCoy is ready for the grind ahead.
“He’s done a great job,” Kubiak said. “We’re asking him to spend a lot of time with [Guerrero] just to get him ready, so that when we put him out there come training camp, we have 100% confidence in him. [We are] really excited about seeing him practice come training camp.”
At Tennessee, McCoy built his reputation as one of the SEC’s most athletic defensive backs. His speed, fluidity and ball skills helped him handle some of college football’s best receivers, and those traits made him one of the draft’s more intriguing names before the knee concerns changed his stock.
If he stays healthy, the Raiders believe they’ve found major value. McCoy’s coverage ability and athletic profile could put him in the mix for meaningful snaps early in his rookie year, while also giving Las Vegas another option in a pass defense that needs to take a step forward in 2026.
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