The selection has not been used in any mock draft I've seen.
As we draw closer to the NFL Draft, mock drafts are starting to become finalized with the reports of players visiting with teams, reports of interests in players floating around, and connecting the dots between players and team needs in 2026.
In the case of the Minnesota Vikings, it has been widely assumed that the front office will look to take a secondary member. It's either a cornerback or a safety at pick 18. Well, NFL.com's Chad Reuter, a leading draft analyst, believes the same thing, but the name he chose will shock some.
The three familiar names have been Avieon Terrell, Dillon Thieneman, and Emmanuel McNeil-Wilson. However, Reuter threw a curveball into his latest mock draft, projecting the Vikings selecting a player who missed the entire season due to an ACL injury.
Pick 18, Minnesota Vikings: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
If McCoy, who missed the entire 2025 college season with an ACL injury, proves himself healthy and ready at Tennessee's pro day (March 31), the Vikings could jump at the opportunity to finally secure a lockdown cornerback for DC Brian Flores. McCoy's aggression and ball skills should overcome any injury concerns, as long as his medical exams are clean.
Now, McCoy is clearly talented, but the caveat of his medical exams makes this incredibly risky. In this particular mock, both Theineman and EMW were on the board at pick 18, and Reuter passed on both for McCoy.
Lance Zierlein compares McCoy to Tyson Campbell.
McCoy is a toolsy outside corner with CB1 flashes, but an ACL tear robbed him of a much-needed third season. Hips and feet are smooth, allowing for quality lateral transitions and efficient gathers to match hard-breaking curls. He’s athletic in his recoveries, but average acceleration leaves him chasing too often on go routes. More focused, physical press disruption should make the rep easier to control. He’s opportunistic with strong ball skills at the catch point. His route squeeze and zone awareness should improve with more reps. We should expect McCoy’s athletic traits and instincts to help him make up for lost time once he gets into camp.
Reuter filled out a full four rounds in this mock and added to the Vikings' defensive line by adding DeMonte Capehart from Clemson. The possibilities are endless for the Vikings, but defense should be the focus for most of their picks. The offense is fairly set with the new additions and old faces.