University of Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy entered the 2024 NFL Draft as a projected first-round selection, but a medical recheck revealed he may require another knee surgery. The Las Vegas Raiders traded up to select him with the first pick of the fourth round (No. 107 overall), ending a prolonged draft wait.
"I was prepared for whatever, but I was [expected] to go higher," McCoy said, via Ryan McFadden of ESPN. "I had a good pro day, ran some good times and did some good things. . . . It's not in my control, and I'm just truly blessed that the team took me anyway, because it's an achievement to get here in the first place."
McCoy missed the whole of the 2023 season after tearing the ACL in his right knee. A potential second knee surgery could force him to miss "extensive" time in 2026. According to NFL Media, McCoy may require surgery to repair a bone plug used to fix a cartilage defect.
Despite the injury concerns, McCoy remains optimistic about his recovery. "All of my doctors that did my surgery told me [that] I'm good," he said. "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."
The Raiders, facing a significant need at cornerback, took a calculated risk by selecting McCoy. If his knee holds up, he could prove to be a draft steal for the franchise.
Related articles
Mike Tomlin to Call Ravens vs. Falcons on NBC in Week 5: Lamar Jackson Focus
During 19 years with the Steelers, coach Mike Tomlin worked 114 games against teams from the AFC North. In his fifth game as an analyst on NBC's Footb...
NFL Grants Rams Extra Recovery Day After Australia Game, Leaving 49ers Without Adjustment Time
When 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan aired grievances at the annual NFL meetings in March about his team getting the short straw for a long trip to Australi...
Raiders' Fernando Mendoza Start Timeline: When Could the Rookie QB Debut?
'' Raiders coach Klint Kubiak repeatedly has said he would prefer that a rookie quarterback not start Day 1. That's why the Raiders signed veteran qua...
Trevor Lawrence's Haircut Featured in Jaguars' 2026 Schedule Video: Real or AI?
Last month, an image emerged of Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence with short hair. It was fake.Now, it's apparently real.The Jaguars' 2026 schedule-...
NFL Bye Week Schedule: Chiefs, Panthers Get Early Break; Cowboys, Cardinals Late
The NFL did the Chiefs a favor, giving them an early off week as Patrick Mahomes works his way back.The Chiefs and Panthers have the earliest possible...
Chargers’ 2026 NFL Schedule Release Video: Best Moments and Halo-Inspired Highlights
The 2026 NFL regular season schedule is finally here. And some have called this day the Super Bowl for the various social media departments within eac...
Seahawks vs. Rams Rivalry Heads to Christmas Day Showdown in 2026
In 2025, the Seahawks and Rams were arguably the best two teams in the NFL. They met three times.In 2026, they won't meet at all until Week 16.The fir...
NFL Week 12 2026 Features Record Nine Broadcast Windows: Full Schedule Breakdown
The Thanksgiving stretch will include even more football than turkey.Week 12 of the 2026 season includes NINE different NFL windows. NINE.It starts on...