Las Vegas Raiders rookie cornerback Jermod McCoy has revealed his high expectations for the upcoming 2026 season, stating his ambition to earn All-Pro recognition and secure several interceptions.
"I definitely want to be an all-rookie, just [have to] make the team, All-Pro,” McCoy told reporters Monday after practice. “I wanna get like 3 to 4 picks, you know I love getting that ball back.”
McCoy also expressed confidence in his abilities, asserting that he believes he is the best cornerback in his draft class. His collegiate career at Tennessee was marked by a standout sophomore season where he recorded four interceptions and 44 tackles. However, his junior year was cut short when he tore his ACL during an offseason workout in January 2025, an injury that also revealed a cartilage issue in his knee, leading to concerns among NFL teams.
Despite these injury concerns, the Raiders selected McCoy in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The team is looking to bolster its secondary, which allowed an average of 201 passing yards per game last season. McCoy's potential return to the field will be significant, marking nearly 20 months since his last game action.
The Raiders are set to begin their preseason schedule this Thursday by hosting the Arizona Cardinals. For McCoy, the upcoming game holds particular significance as he returns from a serious injury.
“I’m just gonna look around and take it all in,” McCoy said. “At any point, this game can be taken from us, so just always cherishing these moments.”