Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) before a college football game between Tennessee and UAB at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Sept. 20, 2025.

Tennessee Volunteers: Lockdown CB Wows at Pro Day, Solidifies 1st-Round Hype

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Jackson Loschko | Last updated Mar 31, 2026 3:50 PM ET

Following the conclusion of the 2024 season, Tennessee Volunteers lockdown cornerback Jermod McCoy was regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. He enjoyed an incredible first season at Tennessee in 2024, recording four interceptions and nine pass breakups, and earning Second-Team All-SEC and All-American honors. Unfortunately, McCoy suffered a torn ACL last January, which kept him out of the entire 2025 season.

He attended the NFL Scouting Combine but did not participate in athletic testing or on-field drills.

Tennessee Volunteers’ lockdown CB wows at Pro Day, solidifies 1st-round hype

Now fully healthy and recovered from the ACL injury, Jermod McCoy attended Tennessee’s March 31 Pro Day and participated in athletic testing and on-field drills without limitation in front of scouts. According to Adam Schefter, the shutdown cornerback turned heads at the Pro Day, running a 4.38 40-yard dash and recording a 38″ vertical jump and 10’7″ broad jump. McCoy has further solidified his draft hype and has a real shot of being selected within the first 15 picks, with many projecting that he will not make it past the first ten picks.

Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy, a projected first-round pick who did not play this past season while recovering from an ACL tear, just ran a 4.38 40 with a 38” vertical jump at 10’7” broad jump at the school’s pro day.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 31, 2026

Here’s Lance Zierlein’s scouting report

Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL Network Draft media analyst Lance Zierlein during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

“McCoy is a toolsy outside corner with CB1 flashes, but an ACL tear robbed him of a much-needed third season. Hips and feet are smooth, allowing for quality lateral transitions and efficient gathers to match hard-breaking curls. He’s athletic in his recoveries but average acceleration leaves him chasing too often on go routes. More focused, physical press disruption should make the rep easier to control.

“He’s opportunistic with strong ball skills at the catch point. His route squeeze and zone awareness should improve with more reps. We should expect McCoy’s athletic traits and instincts to help him make up for lost time once he gets into camp.”

He projects to eventually become a plus starter.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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