Raiders Take Calculated Risk on Jermod McCoy
In the first pick of the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders selected former Tennessee standout cornerback Jermod McCoy.
Leading up to the draft, there had been plenty of speculation around his draft stock after he missed all of the 2025 season due to a torn ACL that he suffered in January 2025.
Before the injury, McCoy was projected to be a first-round pick, but the injury concerns led to his drop to the 101st overall selection in this draft.
Following being selected by the Raiders, the 20-year-old expressed confidence in his health while noting it’s up to the team whether he undergoes another surgery.
“All of my doctors that did my surgery told me [that] I’m good,” McCoy said via ESPN. “But if there’s something that [the Raiders] want me to do for the longevity of my career, I’m willing to do that because I feel like they have my best interest.”
Las Vegas will likely take the precautionary approach given the significance of the injury. Although McCoy has expressed optimism about his health, the Raiders will need to focus on the long-term picture.
Want $250 to bet on the NFL?
The organization is taking a calculated risk with a player who could become a foundation piece to their secondary, especially after moving into the 101st overall pick following trading the 102nd pick and a 2027 seventh-round selection to the Buffalo Bills.
The Raiders are hoping to improve their secondary, which underscores the importance of getting McCoy back on the field healthy.
