Injury Concerns May Scare Teams Away From Projected First-Round Pick

Less than a week away from the 2026 NFL draft, and teams are putting the final touches on their draft boards.

There's a handful of players who are consensus first-round picks, and a bunch of others who vary in range of where scouts and analysts believe they will be picked.

One of the top prospects in this year's draft will likely still hear his name called in Round 1, but he could go much higher if he didn't have injury concerns, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.

Based on talent alone, few would argue that Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy shouldn't go in the top 10. But according to what sources have told Jones, his injury history could be scaring teams away.

"If Jermod McCoy had been healthy this past season, there’s a very real chance he is a top-10 pick next week," Jones wrote. "Teams love his 2024 tape, but a January 2025 ACL tear kept him out of the entire season. If McCoy falls next week, it will be because of the medical information and tolerance teams have."

A couple of anonymous NFL executives agree on McCoy's talent and upside.

"I thought McCoy was a top-five player in this year’s class based off last year’s film," one NFL GM told Jones. "Everything looks incredibly easy for him. Injury will scare some people and don’t blame them."

One anonymous defensive coordinator said: "He’s the best cover player in the draft."

McCoy missed the entire 2025 season because of his ACL injury.

There seem to still be concerns that he'll be healthy enough to contribute much as a rookie - and if a team is investing a possible top-15 pick in a player, him missing most or all of his rookie season is a major deterrent.

Most mock drafts have McCoy going in Round 1, and popular landing spots for him are the Kansas City Chiefs (No. 9 overall), the Dallas Cowboys (No. 12 overall), or the Minnesota Vikings (No. 18 overall).

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This story was originally published April 18, 2026 at 7:20 PM.