Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy is one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class. He could be a great addition to whatever team he goes to. Could the New York Jets be his next team? Joel Klatt of Fox Sports released a mock draft that has McCoy landing in New York with the 16th overall pick:

“16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Jermod McCoy would have been a top-10 pick in last year’s draft had he been eligible and not hurt his knee in January. McCoy worked out at Tennessee’s pro day and ran a sub-4.4 in the 40. He’s showing in workouts that he’s back from the ACL tear he suffered last offseason.”

Jermod McCoy is an extremely talented prospect. But does it make sense for the Jets to draft him?

Jets Land Tennessee Cornerback Jermod McCoy in Latest NFL Mock Draft

Looking Back at His Career

Jermod McCoy attended Whitehouse High School in Whitehouse, Texas. He played both cornerback and wide receiver. During his senior year, he recorded 28 tackles and two interceptions while playing cornerback. As a receiver, he caught 57 passes for 784 yards and eight touchdowns.

McCoy then committed to play college football at Oregon State. He started five of his 12 games as a freshman, recording 31 tackles and a pair of interceptions. 

After one season with the Beavers, McCoy entered the transfer portal and transferred to Tennessee. He served as a starter during his first year with the Volunteers. McCoy led the team with 13 passes defended and also contributed four interceptions. For his efforts, he was selected to the All-SEC First Team.

McCoy missed the entire 2025 campaign due to a torn ACL. He then decided to bypass another season with the Vols for the NFL Draft.

Should the Jets Draft Jermod McCoy?

The Jets had a disastrous 2025 season. They finished with a 3-14 record and missed the playoffs for the 15th consecutive year.

There were a plethora of reasons for New York’s awful campaign. One of those reasons was the team’s defense, especially their secondary. The 2025 Jets made history by becoming the first team in NFL history to finish a full season without an interception. That’s crazy, seeing that Jets head coach Aaron Glenn was a three-time Pro Bowler who had 41 interceptions during his NFL career.

Jermod McCoy could help out the Jets’ struggling secondary. He’s a competitive and physical cornerback with a good blend of size and athleticism. He also appears to be very comfortable and confident in every coverage scheme.

However, there are injury concerns. McCoy, who missed all of last season due to injury, could also miss extensive time as a rookie if he needs another surgery to repair a bone plug in his knee. Therefore, it wouldn’t be wise for the Jets to draft McCoy. Yes, he has the potential to be a major contributor. But the question is: Can he stay healthy?  

Instead of drafting Jermod McCoy at No. 16, perhaps the Jets should draft a wide receiver like Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson or USC’s Makai Lemon to help out new quarterback Geno Smith.

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