Injury-recovering cornerback Jermod McCoy impresses at pro day, fueling Vikings draft buzz at No. 18. Will athleticism outweigh injury risk?
The Minnesota Vikings have a complex selection ahead of them in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. At pick No. 18, the Vikings will have to choose between elite talent with question marks or simply solid players who will probably pan out as starters at the NFL level.
The risky picks probably shouldn't be made in the first 15 selections of the draft, but after that, it seems near inevitable someone is going to take a risk, even if ill advised.
One player that is receiving Vikings buzz is Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy coming off an injury in the 2025 season. McCoy showed out during his pro day indicating that he is healthy enough to make an impact and possibly even return to form.
Vikings Territory's Dustin Baker discussed the likelihood that the Tennessee cornerback is the pick for Minnesota at No. 18. He gave his thoughts on the pick.
"McCoy would be higher on this list, but his recent draft momentum suggests he’ll be gone by the time Minnesota is called to the podium. He’s considered CB2 behind LSU’s Mansoor Delane, who will be picked somewhere in the Top 15 — probably Top 12.
McCoy is 20 years old and recovering from a torn ACL that cancels his 2025 season at Tennessee. Like Hood, McCoy usually plays on the outside.
NFL Draft Buzz on McCoy: 'McCoy belongs in the conversation as one of the most complete corners in this class, and the Pro Day removed the last real caveat attached to his evaluation. The 4.37 forty and 38-inch vertical, turned in on a surgically repaired knee, confirm the closing burst and recovery speed that his 2024 tape suggested but never got to prove against NFL-caliber testing.'"
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) catches a touchdown pass against Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) in the second half at Ohio Stadium. Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesMcCoy's pro day answered some questions about his health, but it did not adequately answer whether or not he can handle the rigors of an NFL season. Only time will tell if that is the case. Even so, McCoy's raw athleticism does not appear to have taken much of a hit if any. He appears to be just as capable an athlete as he has prior to the injury.
Cornerback is not the top of the Vikings' needs, but secondary is following the loss of safety Harrison Smith. If going by the best player available, McCoy will almost certainly be in the mix if not the clear best available when the Vikings pick if he's still on the board. Minnesota will weigh whether or not drafting McCoy is worth the risk in their draft preparation.