Jermod McCoy falls to Raiders in Round 4 of NFL draft

Henderson, Nev.– ‘Jermod McCoy’declined the NFL Draft due to concerns about his knee Saturday when las vegas raiders Go ahead and select him with the first pick of the fourth round.

McCoy, East Tennessee The cornerback was viewed as a potential first-round selection, but ultimately fell to No. 101.

He missed the entire last season after suffering a torn ACL in January 2025. Speaking after the Raiders selected him, McCoy said his knee was feeling good, adding that it was up to the team whether he underwent another surgery.

“All my doctors who performed my surgery told me [that] I’m good,” he said. “But if there’s something [the Raiders] “I want to do this for the longevity of my career, I’m willing to do that because I feel like they have my best interest in mind.”

Raiders vice president of player personnel Brandon Hunt said the team is waiting until McCoy gets into the building and meets with the medical staff to determine whether he needs any other procedures.

“We didn’t even get that far,” Hunt said. “We have a very good medical staff, [head athletic trainer] Chris Cortez and [wellness coordinator] alex [Guerrero]. We will bring him into the building and make all the decisions. “For now, we’re just excited to celebrate this baby.”

Las Vegas moved up to the fourth round by sending its 102nd pick and a 2027 seventh-round choice. buffalo bill For pick number 101.

Hunt said, “We liked where we took it. It was an opportunity to get value.” “[McCoy] This is definitely the best corner in the draft, and we feel like we have great people and a great process to make sure we get the best out of his player.”

McCoy said the Raiders expressed interest in him at the end of the predraft process. He held a Zoom meeting with the organization the day before the draft, as did several other players.

“They had come up on my radar somewhat. I was thinking something [that] There was something wrong,” McCoy said. “But I mean, honestly, I really had no clue where I was going. So I mean, it’s a blessing to be picked up by the Raiders.”

McCoy said it was difficult to watch his slide, but he still kept his eyes glued to the television screen because hearing his name called was a dream, no matter what round.

He said he wants to use what happened as motivation throughout his NFL career.

“I was ready for anything, but I was [expected] And to go higher,” McCoy said. “I had a good professional day, had some good times and did some good things. …It’s not in my control, and I’m really lucky the team took me anyway, because getting here in the first place is an accomplishment.”

McCoy begins his college career in 2023 oregon state. As a freshman, he recorded his first career interception against the Raiders’ first round pick, Fernando Mendozawho was playing for California In those days.

McCoy transferred to Tennessee in 2024 and was impressive during his lone season with the Volunteers. He was named first-team All-SEC after recording four interceptions and nine pass breakups. When targets were found, he gave up a completion rate of 41.9% and a QBR of 15.2.

Cornerback was a significant need for Las Vegas.

Raiders bring back outside cornerback eric stokes Traded on a three-year deal and for nickel cornerback Terron JohnsonWhile last year’s third-round pick, Darian PorterSome upside flashed as a rookie. But the depth outside of those players is very limited.

If McCoy is successful, he has a chance to solidify a starting role in the secondary for years to come.

McCoy was one of four defensive backs taken in the draft by the Raiders. He chose versatile protection Traydon Stukes In the second round (38th pick) Friday. And later on Saturday, they drafted Arizona safety dalton johnson and cal corner hezekiah public In the fifth.