While there are 32 first-round picks in the NFL draft, pundits often give ‘first-round grades’ to far fewer than 32 players. Popular X account ‘NFL Draft Files‘ gave the prestigious mark to just 17 prospects this year.
This included one Tennessee football defensive back. He has Jermod McCoy as the ninth-best player. This slots him as the second-best defensive back and top cornerback, only trailing Ohio State’s Caleb Downs as players in the secondary.
Notably, this does not include fellow Vols cornerback Colton Hood, who has surged up draft boards. He is largely projected as a first-round pick and is being slotted as high as just outside the top-10.
Other potential first-round picks from Tennessee include wide receiver Chris Brazzell II and edge rusher Joshua Josephs.
I have 17 first-round grades in the 2026 NFL Draft:
1. IND QB Fernando Mendoza
2. ND RB Jeremiyah Love
3. OSU S Caleb Downs
4. OSU LB Sonny Styles
5. OSU LB Arvell Reese
6. MIA ED Rueben Bain Jr.
7. ASU WR Jordyn Tyson
8. MIA OT Francis Mauigoa
9. TEN CB Jermod McCoy
10. USC WR…Advertisement— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 25, 2026
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McCoy missed the entire 2025 season for Tennessee after suffering an ACL injury in the winter. He fought to return, but was ultimately unable to go by the time the season concluded.
However, in 2024, McCoy put together such a dominant season that some said he would’ve been a top selection if he were draft eligible. The then-sophomore posted 44 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss and four interceptions. This included a one-handed snag against Alabama and a circus catch in the end zone at Vanderbilt.
Prior to his time at UT, McCoy spent his true freshman season at Oregon State. He is from Whitehouse, Texas, and was a three-star recruit out of high school.
