Each NFL team has a different draft board, with some prospects ranking higher than others. Generally, the status of a potential client depends mostly on their film, measurables or character. However, there are some rare cases when an athlete has a history of injury.
Most injuries are not serious enough to have a major impact on a player’s future, although some are more serious than others. Sometimes injuries not only ruin a player’s season, but can also impact the rest of his career.
The same could happen with Tennessee’s Jarmod McCoy, who is projected to be a first-round pick. LSU’s Mansur Delaney is considered the top cornerback prospect, but McCoy is often ranked right behind him despite overcoming a torn ACL that wiped out his 2025 season.
While McCoy is expected to be healthy for Week 1, some NFL evaluators are concerned about his long-term health.
According to NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports, some teams have “red flagged” McCoy for a possible “degenerative knee condition.”
“Over the past two days, multiple sources have told me that multiple teams have red-flagged the combine medical of Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy, who missed last season after suffering a knee injury in January 2025. The information received additional confirmation after asking others. I’ve been told that red flags were raised after teams deemed McCoy’s knee a degenerative condition. But, of course, medical opinions vary from team to team. Because there is no central body to govern a physical one.”
Tony Pauline on Jermod McCoy
This could cause McCoy’s stock to drop to the point where some teams have removed him from their draft boards entirely. Still, other teams may not agree with this assessment, which is why McCoy could still be a first-round pick. Just needs a team to clear him medically and believe McCoy has a bright future in the NFL.
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