Jermod McCoy Pro Day: 4.38 Speed and 38-Inch Vertical Boost Draft Stock

Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy clocked a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at his pro day, signaling a full recovery from his 2025 ACL injury.

Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy headlined recent scouting activity by recording a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, a 38-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot-7 broad jump during his pro day. These metrics come after a torn ACL sidelined the prospect for the entire 2025 season and forced him to miss the combine. Measuring 6-foot and 193 pounds, McCoy showcased a 31¼-inch arm length, providing a physical advantage over LSU’s Mansoor Delane, whose arms measured 30 inches. While Delane remains a contender for the top cornerback spot following an elite final season, both players are now considered locks to be selected within the first 12 picks of the 2026 NFL draft. The Giants, Commanders, Saints, Chiefs, Bengals, and Cowboys are identified as natural landing spots for these top-15 defensive back prospects.

Quarterback Rankings and the QB3 Debate

The race for the third-best quarterback in the class features LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier and Miami’s Carson Beck. Nussmeier, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 203 pounds, is recovering from an abdominal injury that limited his 2025 campaign to nine games. His 2024 production included 4,052 passing yards, which ranked fifth in the FBS, alongside 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Analysts project him as a Day 2 selection due to his high ball velocity and accuracy. Conversely, Carson Beck is viewed as a potential third-round pick despite his 6-foot-5, 233-pound frame and 43 career starts. Beck maintains a 69.5% career completion percentage and is noted for his experience at two high-profile collegiate programs.

Indiana Pro Day and Rising Stock

At the Indiana pro day, wide receiver Elijah Sarratt improved his draft standing by running the 40-yard dash in approximately 4.50 seconds. This performance, coupled with his history of contested catches, has positioned him as a potential top-100 selection. Cornerback D’Angelo Ponds also delivered elite testing numbers, clocking a 4.31-second 40-yard dash and recording a 43½-inch vertical jump. Although Ponds lacks prototypical size at 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds, he is currently ranked as the top nickelback and a top-50 overall prospect. Meanwhile, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is heavily linked to Las Vegas, with analysts suggesting he is already prepared for the professional transition.

First-Round Positional Projections and Trade Logic

The edge rusher class could see between five and nine players selected on Day 1. Locks for the first round include David Bailey of Texas Tech, Rueben Bain Jr. of Miami, Keldric Faulk of Auburn, and Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. Miami’s Akheem Mesidor and Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell are also likely first-rounders, while R Mason Thomas, Zion Young, and T.J. Parker are viewed as potential late-round surprises. In the offensive line group, six players are strong candidates for the opening round: Francis Mauigoa, Spencer Fano, Monroe Freeling, Kadyn Proctor, Caleb Lomu, and Blake Miller. Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor is also in contention depending on specific team blocking schemes.

Wide Receiver Depth and Draft Day Trades

Five wide receivers are projected for the first round, including Makai Lemon, Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, and Omar Cooper Jr. Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion is a candidate for the final eight picks of Day 1, with the Bills, 49ers, Chiefs, and Dolphins listed as potential fits. However, Jordyn Tyson’s stock is trending downward due to a hamstring injury and a lack of predraft workouts, potentially sliding him to the back half of the first round. He is scheduled for positional drills on April 17. Regarding trades, the Buffalo Bills are a candidate to move out of Round 1 to acquire more than their current three picks in the first four rounds. The Seattle Seahawks are also a logical choice to trade down from the 32nd pick, as they currently hold a league-low four total selections.