Should the Vikings draft Jermod McCoy?
Jermod McCoy’s medicals were under scrutiny before Tennessee's pro day on Tuesday, March 31. However, the cornerback proved everyone wrong and showed scouts he hadn’t lost any athleticism. This performance is vaulting him up draft boards. NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein saw this and mocked McCoy to the Minnesota Vikings at pick 18. If he’s available, there shouldn’t be another option; McCoy’s rare blend of athleticism, technique and instincts makes him an ideal fit for Brian Flores’ defense.
McCoy tore his ACL at an offseason practice in January 2025. This injury forced him to miss the entirety of last season and the majority of the pre-draft cycle. Because of this, scouts were questioning whether there were any hurdles in his recovery. As alluded to above, he answered these with a blazing 4.38 40-yard dash and fluid field drills.
With the injury silenced, scouts can fully focus on his 2024 film, which is outstanding. Zierlein notes this and includes how McCoy would fit into Brian Flores’ defense.
“McCoy is a press man cornerback with good size,” Zierlein wrote. “He allows defensive coordinator Brian Flores even more freedom to crank up exotic blitzes, because McCoy can play on an island.”
McCoy’s calling card is his press technique. He has amazing footwork and superb punch accuracy that keeps him attached and disrupts a receiver's timing. He’s a sticky cornerback and is difficult to separate from in man coverage. As Zierlein alluded to, defensive coordinators will feel comfortable leaving him one-on-one against an opposing player.
He thrives in man, but is scheme-averse and is shut down in zone coverage. McCoy’s instincts stand out; he has a knack for finding the ball. His eyes are constantly reading the quarterback and anticipating the throw. Once the ball’s in the air, he jumps at the opportunity and uses his receiver background (played it in high school) to snag it away from the receiver.
The talent is clearly there, but so is the fit in the Vikings defense. Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers lead the room, but this duo doesn’t strike fear into an opposing offense. Additionally, they have little depth behind them. McCoy would enter the facility and instantly be the starting cornerback.
Overall, Jermod McCoy’s performance at Tennessee’s pro-day is making his stock soar. He answered every concern about the rehab from his torn ACL and proved he’s still the same athlete. McCoy is an enticing option at pick 18 to the Vikings and would help improve the weakest spot on their roster.