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Raiders Draft Jermod McCoy Amid Bone Plug Concerns

4/26/2026

Summary

Raiders Draft McCoy

The Las Vegas Raiders selected Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy with the round-four pick on April 25 2026.
He missed the 2025 season, ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at his March 31 2026 Pro Day, and was found to have a bone plug that could need surgery and sideline his rookie year.
McCoy said he is grateful the Raiders took a chance despite health concerns and feels ready to contribute in 2026.

Summary

Raiders Acquire McCoy

The Raiders traded their 2027 seventh-round pick to the Buffalo Bills for cornerback McCoy, addressing secondary front office deemed weak.
GM John Spytek and assistant GM Brian Stark said free-agency signings bolstered linebackers and defensive line, making cornerback depth the draft priority.
The staff’s five-pick plan targets starter development, with McCoy rated the highest-upside defensive prospect after evaluation by scouts, director Brandon Yeargan and senior executives despite his medical history.

History

Historical Context

In 2018 the New York Giants used the supplemental draft to select cornerback Sam Beal, costing them their 2019 third-round pick—a move reflecting the league’s long-standing practice of trading future selections for immediate talent. The NFL draft, refined through trades and compensatory picks, has increasingly seen teams gamble on high-upside prospects despite health risks.

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Raiders Draft McCoy

The Las Vegas Raiders selected Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy with the round-four pick on April 25 2026.
He missed the 2025 season, ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at his March 31 2026 Pro Day, and was found to have a bone plug that could need surgery and sideline his rookie year.
McCoy said he is grateful the Raiders took a chance despite health concerns and feels ready to contribute in 2026.

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