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Raiders’ Fourth‑Round Gamble Pays Early Dividends as Jermod McCoy Exceeds Limits

Preseason snaps will test a near 20‑month recovery after the Raiders traded up to draft him because of his high upside despite a serious knee injury.

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jermod McCoy (28) runs a drill during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
A football player wearing a white jersey with orange number 3, an orange and white helmet, and black and orange gloves looks forward.

Overview

  • Las Vegas traded up to the first pick of the fourth round in April to select Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy, reflecting a willingness to accept short‑term medical risk for long‑term upside.
  • McCoy tore his ACL in January 2025 and doctors found cartilage damage that required a bone‑plug procedure, a combination that caused teams to view him as a risky draft prospect.
  • After limited offseason work, McCoy has been on the field for all but one day of Raiders training camp and said Monday that he has been able to exceed prior workout limits and regain confidence.
  • The rookie has publicly set ambitious targets for 2026, saying he wants All‑Rookie and All‑Pro honors and hopes to record three to four interceptions, framing high expectations for his comeback season.
  • The coming preseason game(s) will provide the first concrete test of his game readiness after nearly 20 months out, and the results will shape whether the Raiders’ investment can pay off for their thin cornerback group.