Right now, the Los Angeles Rams are headed to the playoffs and not thinking about the offseason. However, the 2026 NFL Draft isn’t too far away. AJ Schulte of A to Z Sports released a Rams mock draft recently. He has the team selecting Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy 11th overall:
“11. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The two weeks that Emmanuel Forbes and Cobie Durant were salvaging the Rams’ secondary were fun, but that room has fallen back down to earth in recent weeks, and it’s becoming desperately obvious that the Rams need multiple players in the secondary. Despite missing the entire 2025 season with an offseason injury, Jermod McCoy is still the top cover corner in the draft and would easily take the top corner spot in a Rams’ secondary desperate for a player who can cover consistently.”
The Rams have certainly found something special in Emmanuel Forbes. However, his emergence shouldn’t stop them from trying to land another shutdown corner like Jermod McCoy.
Rams Mock Draft Has Them Landing Tennessee Cornerback Jermod McCoy in the First Round
Looking Back at His Career
Jermod McCoy attended Whitehouse High School in Whitehouse, Texas. He played both cornerback and wide receiver. During his senior year, he recorded 28 tackles and two interceptions while playing cornerback. As a receiver, he caught 57 passes for 784 yards and eight touchdowns.
McCoy then committed to play college football at Oregon State. He started five of his 12 games as a freshman, recording 31 tackles and a pair of interceptions.
After one season with the Beavers, McCoy entered the transfer portal and transferred to Tennessee. He served as a starter during his first year with the Volunteers. McCoy led the team with 13 passes defended and also contributed four interceptions. For his efforts, he was selected to the All-SEC First Team.
McCoy missed the entire 2025 campaign due to a torn ACL. He then decided to bypass another season with the Vols for the NFL Draft.
Should the Rams Draft Jermod McCoy?
Cornerback isn’t a huge need for the Rams right now. Yet, it still makes sense to draft Jermod McCoy. No doubt about it, he’s one of the best defenders in the 2026 draft. McCoy is physical and has outstanding ball skills. He’s known as a well-refined press-man corner who is also comfortable in zone looks.
It has been a long time since the Rams possessed a true No. 1 cornerback. They never really replaced Jalen Ramsey, who helped the team with Super Bowl LVI a few years ago.
Despite not playing this season, McCoy (if he can stay healthy) could eventually become a stabilizing force on defense for the Rams. He’d provide depth to the team’s secondary, which features key pieces like Forbes, Cobie Durant, and Kamren Curl.
Led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, the 11-5 Rams are considered true contenders this season. And by adding a talented defender like Jermod McCoy, they could remain contenders over the next few years.
Main Image: Stephanie Amador / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images