Why Jermod McCoy’s draft stock continues to plummet, explains NFL expert

Jermod McCoy was once viewed as a lock for the first round, but the 2026 NFL Draft has taken a completely different turn.

The Tennessee cornerback has watched his stock slide in real time, turning from a potential top-15 pick into one of the biggest question marks on the board.

And according to Adam Schefter, the reason behind that fall is as clear as it is concerning.

Adam Schefter explains why Jermod McCoy is sliding down boards

Speaking during ESPN’s broadcast, Schefter broke down the situation as teams continue to pass on a player many still consider elite.

“He clearly is a first-round talent, but suffered a knee injury where he tore his ACL, and underwent surgery. And obviously, there are some teams that have some concerns about that knee right now,” Schefter said.

The concern is not just about the original injury. McCoy tore his ACL in early 2025 and missed an entire season, but teams are now focused on long-term durability rather than short-term recovery.

That hesitation has been enough to push him down boards, even though his film and athletic profile still grade out at a first-round level.

Medical red flags raise long-term concerns for teams

The deeper issue, as Schefter highlighted, is how teams are projecting McCoy’s future rather than his present ability.

“People think he can step in and impact a roster right away, but there are questions about his longevity in the league.

“For right now, we have a situation where he’s still on the board, one of the elite talents in this draft in a spot that nobody thought he would be,” Schefter further stated.

That gap between talent and availability is what has defined his draft story. Some teams believe he can contribute immediately, but others are wary of the risk tied to his knee.

There have also been concerns about whether he might require another procedure related to cartilage damage, which only adds to the uncertainty around his early NFL years.

For front offices, it becomes a risk calculation. Drafting McCoy could bring immediate upside, but it also carries the possibility of limited availability or long-term decline.

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