SerpApi.Org
On the eve of Raiders rookies reporting for training camp, Jermod McCoy has signed his rookie contract, according to Jeremy Fowler. Now that he is officially a Raider, the hype train can start rolling.
McCoy was deemed a top-15 prospect and the potential top cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft back in April. But McCoy fell all the way down to the fourth round due to injury concerns.
McCoy missed the entirety of the 2025 college football season due to a torn ACL. But after a solid pro day, where he ran a 4.38 40-yard dash, he was projected to land in the first round. But in the weeks leading up to the draft, McCoy’s stock plunged.
Tom Pelissero reported that NFL teams were concerned with McCoy’s knee, but not because of his ACL recovery. Instead it was “a bone plug that was used to repair a cartilage defect in his knee” leading some NFL doctors to conclude he will need another knee surgery.
That was enough to scare off every NFL team through three rounds. But the Raiders finally decided to take the gamble in the fourth round.
High upside in a rebuild
That gamble makes plenty of sense for the Raiders. This franchise is not contending for the Super Bowl this season. But instead they are looking to a future with Fernando Mendoza leading the charge. If the Raiders whiffed on a fourth-round pick, no one will really notice.
But if the Raiders snagged the best cornerback in the draft in round four? We will all notice.
With the exception of Maxx Crosby (who was also a fourth-round pick), the Raiders defense has been devoid of high-end talent for years. McCoy offers at least the hope that he could turn into something special.
After selecting Fernando Mendoza with the top pick, the Raiders turned their attention to defense. In the second round, Las Vegas selected Arizona safety Treydan Stukes, who could start in week one. Then in Round 3, the Raiders added to their collection of edge rushers by selecting Keyron Crawford out of Auburn.
The Raiders have only had one season with a top-10 scoring defense in the last 23 seasons. They’ve even been outside the top 20 in seven of the last eight seasons. Raiders opponents have had their way with the Silver and Black for years.
That isn’t likely to change in just one season, but McCoy and this draft class could be the first step to changing the way the Raiders play defense for years to come.
