How will Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy's NFL Scouting Combine choice impact draft stock?

"[McCoy] missed the entire 2025 season due to a knee injury but posted an outstanding 89.6 PFF coverage grade in 2024," wrote Wasserman. "If his health checks out and he performs well in position drills, McCoy could position himself well to be a first-round selection." 

Now that McCoy is opting out of the combine, that increases the chances he falls in the draft. Teams avoid spending first-round picks on players with medical concerns. 

Before the 2025 draft, former Michigan Wolverines CB Will Johnson was considered a potential first-round pick. NFL Mock Draft Database projected that the Arizona Cardinals would take him with pick No. 16 in the first round. 

Knee and toe injuries, however, forced Johnson to sit out of the 2025 combine. The Cardinals did select him in the draft, but with pick No. 47 in the second round. 

With that in mind, McCoy experiencing a similar draft-day fall to that of Johnson isn't inconceivable. Unlike the Tennessee star, the former Michigan standout played during his last season of college football. 

McCoy produced impressive tape when healthy in 2024. The CB was named a second-team All-American after logging nine passes defended and four interceptions in 13 games. 

He must showcase those coverage skills at his pro day to prove his ACL injury is no longer a concern and that he's still worthy of a first-round selection.