Cornerback Jermod McCoy Looked the Part in 2024

If only he hadn’t gotten hurt.

News came out that Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy had torn his ACL during offseason training, which required surgery.

When will he play again?

Speculation is swirling around that question.

Volunteers’ head coach Josh Heupel has stated there’s no timetable for his return.

However, there is cause for optimism.

McCoy recently stepped onto the field as a full participant at practice per MSN. “His participation on the practice field, without a brace, cutting and moving with confidence, signals meaningful progress toward a full return.”

How will he look when he does return to game action?

That’s an unknown, and it will remain unanswered until we see how the knee responds in game conditions. That’s what makes this NFL projection a wildcard. Cornerback is one of the most physically demanding positions on the field, particularly for the knees.

What did he look like on game film last season?

Predatory cornerback

McCoy brings a real presence to a defense.

It’s like hanging a “No Trespassing” sign over his side of the field.

McCoy’s 2024 stats:

• 4 interceptions
• 9 passes defended

When McCoy comes right up on a receiver pre-snap in press-man coverage, it’s difficult for a receiver to gain route leverage. Difficult, but not impossible. Last season, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), McCoy was targeted in coverage 62 times, and he allowed 31 receptions (50.0% catch rate). The receivers who did manage to make catches had to earn it because McCoy tended to provide tight-man coverage. He could be a little off on the timing on occasion and ended up right there when the ball arrived, but they still managed to make the catch.

McCoy owned deep straight-line routes. He looked like a cross between a Piranha and an Octopus pressing receivers against the sideline as the ball was falling from the sky.

And yes, he has the juice to keep up.

A receiver’s best chance

There’s a slight lull in McCoy’s game.

It shows up in support when he thinks twice about getting involved, and it shows up in coverage. There are times McCoy gives a receiver too much cushion, and receivers respond by finding enough space and route leverage to make the grabs. There are other times he opens up his hips too wide on a short slant or shallow crossing route, and he gives up enough separation and leverage for receivers to do their thing.

It’s frustrating because McCoy showed at times he could flip his hips when receivers were coming off the snap, and he showed high-end short-area acceleration and recovery speed, so I know he’s not giving up these catches due to a lack of ability.

How does he look compared to Avieon Terrell?

Terrell (Clemson) is another highly rated cornerback per NFL Mock Draft Database.

I’ve studied Terrell, and I like McCoy better.

Why?

His technique and reactionary times are better.

McCoy looks more natural in the position.

#3 Jermod McCoy 6-foot-0, 193 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s 2025 Summer Grade: First-Round (I would select him)

Projected by NFL Mock Draft Database to be a First-Round prospect as of August 16, 2025

2024 game film evaluated: Chattanooga, NC State, Kent State, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Florida, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Georgia, UTEP, Vanderbilt, and Ohio State (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

Note: 8 penalties in 2024 per PFF

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Athletic corner with a muscular and squatty build. High football IQ. Mostly lined up in press man and off-man. Some zone. Has what it takes to close back downhill in time to make a difference in off-man. Tough. Can jam and impede in press man. Fluid. Good get up and go. Moves well with receivers. Excellent ball instincts. Savvy. Handsy. Inconsistent technique (which shows up in penalties). Has the know-how to sometimes be physical with receivers and avoid a penalty. Inconsistent with getting his head turned around when the ball is in the air. Inconsistent eyes in the backfield. Decent vs. screens. Average tackler in run and pass support.

What to watch for during the 2025 college football season

1. How does he look post-injury?

2. Does he stay healthy once he returns?

3. Are there lulls in his performance?

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, and has written for Sports Illustrated (Lions, Jets, and 49ers), NFL Draft Diamonds, and Yardbarker, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. Featured in USA Today. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. Follow on Twitter @firstroundmock.