Raiders Optimistic About Jermod McCoy's Chances of Playing This Year

The Las Vegas Raiders did extensive homework on former Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy's (knee) injury before taking him in the fourth round of this year's NFL draft, and the team is optimistic about his chances of playing in 2026, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. McCoy could need a procedure on his knee at some point in the future, but the Raiders are hopeful the 20-year-old defensive back can avoid that in the short term. "This felt like John Spytek's draft," one rival executive said about the Raiders. It's considered a good thing after former head coach Pete Carroll's influence was heavy during the draft in 2025. McCoy said his knee currently feels good after he missed all of the 2025 season with the Volunteers after suffering a torn ACL. If not for his knee injury, McCoy was considered a top-10 talent in this year's draft class. The Raiders won't know more about the young cornerback until they get him in their building to work him back into playing shape. If he's healthy come Week 1, McCoy is expected to compete for playing time with Darien Porter and Eric Stokes.

Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler