Teams Medically Red-Flagged CB Jermod McCoy

His tape from 2023 and 2024 show a first-round cornerback with sticky, physical coverage and plenty of ball production (16 passes defended, six interceptions). But a torn ACL in January 2025 sidelined him for his third season, depriving scouts of another year of film to evaluate. That would be especially important after McCoy’s breakout 2024, as opposing teams would have been able to offer new challenges in 2025.

McCoy only participated at the bench press at the Combine, preferring to wait until his pro day for the rest of his testing. That seemed to pay off, as a 4.4-second 40-yard dash and strong vertical and broad jumps boosted his stock with a month until the draft. Not only did he show that he was fully recovered from his ACL tear, but his numbers cemented assessments of his high-end athleticism and seemed to lock him into a first-round pick.

However, teams have medically red-flagged the 20-year-old for a potentially degenerative knee condition, per EssentiallySports’ Tony Pauline. This could take him off some boards entirely, while others may drop his grade by a half or full round. This could result in a similar fall to Will Johnson‘s in 2025, when the projected first-rounder was not selected until the third round.

However, as Pauline notes, “medical opinions differ team by team since there is no central body to govern a physical.” Some clubs are willing to tolerate more injury risk than others, especially if they see McCoy as a potential lockdown cornerback

This latest news would seem to reposition LSU’s Mansoor Delane as the 2026 draft class’ undisputed CB1. He is a fluid, instinctive defender who lacks elite size but does not bring the same long-term injury concerns as McCoy.