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ESPN analyst believes Tennessee Vols star is about to go from offseason surgery to first round NFL draft pick next year

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 3:11 PM ET

The Tennessee Volunteers went 10–3 last season, and their appearance in the College Football Playoff marked a step in the right direction for Josh Heupel’s program.

Tennessee saw pass rusher James Pearce Jr. drafted near the end of the first round by the Atlanta Falcons in April. He was the Vols’ only first-round selection. Another notable loss was defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, who was selected in the second round by the Kansas City Chiefs.

In a recent 2026 NFL mock draft, ESPN projects that Tennessee will once again produce a first-round pick next draft.

ESPN projects Vols CB Jermod McCoy as a first-rounder despite ACL injury

Bad news hit back in January when standout cornerback Jermod McCoy suffered a torn ACL during an offseason workout. He underwent surgery and is expected to be ready around the start of the season. In Matt Miller’s latest mock draft, he has McCoy going to the Miami Dolphins with the 15th overall pick.

“There are some questions about McCoy’s status to start the season after he tore an ACL in January during offseason training, but there’s no question about his tape. The 6-foot, 193-pound corner has six career interceptions and emerged as a true No. 1 CB last season. He has the length, height and speed to run with NFL-caliber wideouts and the ball skills to flip the field. He’s my CB1 as long as he recovers and stays healthy. The Dolphins need a capable outside cornerback — especially after trading Jalen Ramsey to the Steelers on Monday.” — Matt Miller, ESPN

What might the Browns and Rams do with their first-rounders? How many QBs could go on Day 1? Here's my early look at the 2026 draft.https://t.co/dWLO5CpXFT
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) June 30, 2025

McCoy had a breakout sophomore season with the Vols in 2024, intercepting four passes and recording 44 tackles. He established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the country. Now entering his second year at Tennessee after transferring from Oregon State, McCoy could take another leap once he returns to the field.

At 6-foot and 193 pounds, McCoy has the prototypical size NFL scouts covet. So far, his production matches the profile of a top-tier prospect. A strong 2025 campaign could make him the next first-rounder from Rocky Top.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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