One of the biggest surprises from day one of the 2026 NFL Draft was Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy not hearing his name called. McCoy had a rocky pre-draft campaign, with countless questions about his torn ACL and availability. Still, things looked up after his elite pro day. Despite this, he fell to day-two and is now a prime target for the New Orleans Saints at pick 42. They already took a gamble with Jordyn Tyson's medicals. Would they do it again?
McCoy missed the entire 2025 season with a torn ACL, but he’s fully recovered from that. However, a recent report suggested that he may need another surgery to repair a cartilage defect in his knee. In all likelihood, this injury, instead of the ACL, is the reason he fell down draft boards.
This is concerning but shouldn’t dissuade the Saints from drafting him. McCoy’s 2024 film is outstanding. He has superb technique, is an amazing athlete, and has excellent ball skills. He has all of the tools to be a franchise cornerback; he just needs to stay healthy.
Although Jermod McCoy is an elite prospect, the Saints may prefer a safer target
McCoy’s a stellar player, but the Saints may opt for someone less risky. Luckily for them, multiple outstanding cornerbacks remain who fit that build. Here’s a few of the options they should consider.
Avieon Terrell- Clemson
Keith Abney- Arizona State
D’Angelo Ponds- Indiana
Brandon Cisse- South Carolina
Colton Hood- Tennessee
Every prospect comes with risk, but these players don’t have near the amount of concerns as McCoy. For instance, Terrell isn’t the biggest player, but his versatility, ball skills, and athleticism compensate. Similarly, Cisse is still fairly raw in zone, but his physicality, instincts, and athletic upside trump the negatives.
Overall, the Saints have an abundance of options at cornerback in round two. The consensus top prospect is Jermod McCoy, but they have to decide whether he’s worth the risk, or if they should opt for a safer but still amazing option.
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