If it wasn't for his ACL tear in 2024, Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy may have been the first CB taken in the 2026 NFL Draft. The fact that he's still projected to go in the first round despite missing the 2025 season is a testament to his ability, tape, and potential.
However, according to Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports, teams are beginning to express concerns about McCoy's health, flagging his NFL Combine medicals.
"Over the past two days, multiple sources have told me that several teams have red-flagged the combine medicals of Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy, who did not play last season after sustaining a knee injury in January of 2025. The information received additional confirmation after others were asked.
I’m told that red flags were raised after teams deemed McCoy’s knee to be a degenerative condition. But, of course, medical opinions differ team by team since there is no central body to govern a physical."
"Degenerative" is a word Detroit Lions fans have grown all too accustomed to in recent months, after safety Kerby Joseph's lingering knee injuries. While Joseph is working hard to be ready for the 2026 season, fans are anxious if the All-Pro safety will recapture the magic of his 2024 season -- or even get close.
As Pauline notes, other franchises could have a different read on McCoy's health and, even if they do red flag his medicals, they could still be comfortable taking him. There's nothing definitive at this point.
These latest concerns come after McCoy had a fantastic Pro Day, where he ran a 4.38 40-yard dash, which would've been good for a tie for second at this year's Combine among CBs. McCoy also had a 38" vertical jump and a 10'7" broad jump.
McCoy looks ready to go, but how long can he keep that up in the NFL? That's where the red flags and "degenerative" concerns come in. Does he have the longevity to make his first-round selection worth it?
Well, there is a certain win-now team that could use another talented CB right now.
McCoy could still be an option for the Lions at #17
The Lions, of course, have a history of bringing in players with an injury history, which is why McCoy going to the Lions doesn't sound all that absurd. Most expect the Lions to get a big man in the first round, but there are question marks at CB, as well.
In a conference call, reported by Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett, NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah said the Lions could have a "fascinating" choice if McCoy is still available when the Lions pick, saying that McCoy has "top-ten talent" whose tape "is as good as anything you’ll see in this draft."
Jeremiah believes picking McCoy is a bit of a gamble, but "if he’s there and you pull the trigger and hit on him, man, you’ve got a dynamic difference maker."
READ MORE: A late-round sleeper pick at EDGE has already met with the Lions multiple times
The Lions could really use such a "dynamic difference maker" on defense, especially at the CB position. If he pans out, he would be a massive boon for a defense that has struggled to find a consistent shut-down corner.
And by the time McCoy is due for his rookie extension, notable veterans like quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and tackle Penei Sewell will also be due for new extensions.
The financially-strapped Lions could opt to sell high on him before his potential "degenerative" knee issues begin to truly impact his game. Save the money from extending him, and pick up valuable picks to possibly replace him or another player.
But all that is thinking too far ahead. The here and now is that McCoy has an incredibly high ceiling, which is why he's an expected first-rounder despite those medical red flags. If he is available for the Lions to take, not only would it be fitting for the Lions to do so, but he might even be well worth the risk.
And rarely are Super Bowls won by playing it safe.
Add us as a preferred source on Google