A dazzling Pro Day performance has alleviated health concerns surrounding Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy, who missed the entire 2025 campaign with a torn ACL. He's now shaping up as an early first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but if doubts remain, the Green Bay Packers must capitalize.
Green Bay has a glaring hole at corner, and McCoy has staked his claim as the top option in this year's class. Be that as it may, the club doesn't have a first-round choice until 2028 after trading two for superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons (no regrets there). Yet, there are still valid questions regarding the Tennessee standout, potentially presenting the Packers with a prime buy-low opportunity.
It's probably unfathomable to think about the Packers mortgaging more of their future roughly eight months after giving up a colossal haul for Parsons. However, the combination of talent and need could force Green Bay to strongly consider taking another big swing if McCoy slips into the mid-to-late 20s.
Packers may need to move up draft board if Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy slides in first round
Some teams are still worried about the time McCoy has missed and how his knee responds long-term. Moreover, he has an agent who reportedly hasn't done him any favors — one the Packers have notably become quite familiar with. The double whammy of red flags might hurt his stock, but that shouldn't deter Green Bay.
McCoy is an Athletes First client. As previously alluded to, the Packers are acquainted with the firm via Parsons, who is represented by David Mulugheta, their president of team sports. So, any possible problems between management are nullified by a preexisting working relationship.
Advising McCoy to skip the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine has seemingly rubbed many the wrong way. Especially because he was cleared to practice last season, even returning to the field and mulling a comeback for Tennessee. Some are calling it exercising forward-thinking caution, while others are arguing his actions can be seen as a lack of competitive drive.
Nevertheless, the pros outweigh the cons for the Packers in this scenario, who can greatly benefit from McCoy's services. His elite combination of size (6-foot-1, 188 pounds), athleticism, instincts, physicality and outstanding footwork makes him an intriguing player with shutdown upside at the next level. He and LSU's Mansoor Delane are widely considered to be in a tier of their own and among the best prospects regardless of position.
When we last saw McCoy take the field in 2024, he was nothing short of outstanding. He amassed 44 tackles, nine pass deflections and four interceptions across 13 games. His efforts yielded a stellar 87.0 overall Pro Football Focus grade, which ranked 11th out of 841 qualified corners.
If McCoy falls on draft day, the Packers need to be ready.
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