Vols Corner Drawing Top-10 Buzz In Latest Mock Draft

Image: Tennessee Athletics

By Aidan Sidoti

It’s never too early for mock draft season and Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy is already generating top-ten attention, slotted at No. 6 overall to the New York Giants in Bleacher Report’s latest 2026 mock draft released by Brent Sobleski on Friday.

McCoy, considered by many experts as the top cornerback in the draft, returns after a breakout sophomore season where he earned first-team All-SEC and second-team All-American honors. He previously transferred from Oregon State after his freshman year. 

Despite suffering a torn ACL during offseason training in January, McCoy’s draft stock holds strong. 

“McCoy would be a great fit with (Paulson) Adebo.” Sobleski noted. “His physical, sticky-style of coverage makes it difficult for receivers to breathe, and he has the ball skills to track and locate the football at all levels on the field.”

Since returning to practice from injury, McCoy has been limited to non-contact, individual drills, with hopes of making a full return later in the season. 

“Cool moment for Jermod,” Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel told reporters after UT’s first scrimmage, “Big moment getting back on the field and doing some of the individual work. It was cool to see the way his brothers were excited for him in that moment and how big that was, too.”

At 6-foot, 193 pounds, McCoy brings the size, athleticism, and feel for the game NFL teams desire in a top-ranked defensive back, especially if his recovery stays on track.