Is a Former Tennessee Cornerback the Answer for the 2026 Cowboys with the 12th Overall Pick?
The Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2026 NFL Draft looking to fill several needs on the defensive side of the football. By having the 12th overall pick, the Cowboys have set themselves up in a favorable position to be able to draft a solid defensive player and make sure they do not have one of the worst defenses in the league again. One player in particular, who had an elite pro day despite not playing a snap of football for over a year, has NFL GMs and scouts believing that he can bounce back. Jermod McCoy, a cornerback from Tennessee, showcased his skills at his pro day, reminding everyone why he was considered one of the top cornerbacks in the nation before his injury.
McCoy last played a snap of football in January of 2025; however, that does make NFL teams shy away from wanting to draft him early in the first round. In his pro day, he ran a 4.38 40-yard dash, had a 10 foot seven inch broad jump, and had a 38-inch vertical jump. He utilizes all of those attributes to enhance his game, which is exceptionally elite on film. His elite athleticism significantly contributes to his exceptional performance in man coverage, his strength at the line of scrimmage, and his ability to stay closely matched with nearly every receiver he faces. McCoy would undoubtedly be the most talented player on the Dallas roster; however, there is a significant concern regarding his health.
The former Tennessee cornerback, despite being a freak athlete and a tremendous football player, the question remains: can he be healthy in his NFL career? Recovering from his ACL injury, he has not played for over a year. While McCoy’s talent is undeniable, the Dallas Cowboys are already managing players at the cornerback position who are works in progress or attempting to regain their previous performance levels, such as Shavon Revel and DaRon Bland. If Dallas decides to draft McCoy and he fails to succeed, it would represent yet another wasted pick on a player who has dealt with injuries, despite his immense potential before the injury. If the Cowboys decide to draft McCoy, there’s no question he would be the most talented cornerback on their roster. However, the main concern is whether he can maintain his health and effectively translate his skills to the professional scene.
