Jermod McCoy is an interesting cornerback prospect in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. He is considered to be one of the most talented players at his position and could be a first-round pick, but he is also a major risk after missing all of last season with an ACL injury. The Dallas Cowboys are rumored to be interested in taking him at 12th overall, but Joseph Hoyt explained why they may be hesitant to do so.
Why the Dallas Cowboys Are Hesitant to Draft Jermod McCoy
McCoy missed all of last season recovering from an ACL injury, but according to Hoyt, he has also insisted he could have returned to the Tennessee Volunteers. He reportedly received medical clearance to do so and claimed that he would have if the team needed him to assist with a late-year run.
Tennessee finished just 8-5 and was out of contention for a spot in the College Football Playoff, but the prospect emphasized he simply prioritized his health as he prepares to enter the draft this year. Questions continue to circle about where he stands in his recovery from the major injury, especially considering he decided to sit out the on-field drills at the NFL Combine as well.
McCoy will participate in his Pro Day at the end of March, and the Cowboys are reportedly among the teams keeping a close eye on his performance. Hoyt gave his take on the situation by responding to rumors that Dallas is considering taking him with its 12th overall pick.
“I think there are concerns, because it’s the difference between saying something and showing something … He said he was perfectly fine, but then he didn’t do anything at the Combine … His Pro Day is going to be huge for him … I understand the hesitation from the Cowboys. I don’t think they want red shirt players. I don’t think that they want to use a top 12 pick on a guy that plays six games next year. They need impact guys,” Hoyt said.
Joseph Hoyt on what he’s heard from the #DallasCowboys on Jermod McCoy’s recovery from a torn ACL, and why McCoy’s Pro Day next week “will be huge” for the CB’s future.#JermodMcCoy #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/GdW0p3Vpxz
— 105.3 The FAN (@1053thefan) March 27, 2026
McCoy currently ranks as the second-best cornerback and 16th overall prospect on PFSN’s Big Board, despite missing all of last season and skipping on-field drills at the Combine. This clearly demonstrates his elite talent at the position, which represents the upside that comes with the severe risk of drafting him.
Hoyt pointed out that the Cowboys are building for this year, not necessarily the future, so they will want to use their premium pick on someone who can help them immediately. It will be interesting to see if they believe McCoy is healthy enough to do so, as defensive backs are seemingly one of their biggest needs this year.
