DALLAS, TX – The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft with two first-round picks at No. 12 and No. 20, sparking plenty of debate and speculation among fans and analysts about who they’ll select. While many eyes have been on potential Day 1 starters, the question of whether the Cowboys will go after Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy remains one of the most discussed topics.

THE RUMOR: MCCOY’S INJURY HISTORY AND “REDSHIRT” ISSUES

Jermod McCoy, a star cornerback from Tennessee, has been frequently mocked to the Cowboys in various drafts, but insiders are now casting doubt on his potential fit with the team. According to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, McCoy did not attend the Cowboys’ 30-player visit – a critical indicator of the team’s interest in potential draft picks. Additionally, Harris notes that McCoy was not expected to be on Dallas’ radar due to his injury history, specifically his ACL injury that has kept him off the field since 2024.

This aligns with Mike Fisher’s ongoing reports that suggest Dallas is steering away from McCoy. Fisher stated: “I have reported and continue to believe that the Cowboys would like to go in a different direction at No. 12 due to CB McCoy’s injury history. We shall see…”

COWBOYS’ “NO REDSHIRTS” POLICY AND HOW IT AFFECTS MCCOY

Adding more fuel to this speculation is the statement made by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who emphasized that the team cannot afford to draft a player who might need significant time to recover – such as McCoy, who has not played since 2024. Jones’ comment about “no redshirts” indicates that the Cowboys are looking for players who can immediately contribute to Christian Parker’s defense. This could further rule out McCoy, given that he might need time to get fully up to speed after such a serious injury.

While McCoy impressed at his Pro Day, showing no signs of rust despite being out of action for so long, Dallas’ priority is clear: they need immediate contributors, and McCoy’s prolonged absence could deter the Cowboys from selecting him in the first round.

A “SMOKESCREEN” OR REALITY?

Given the ambiguity surrounding McCoy’s potential fit with the Cowboys, some analysts wonder whether Dallas is deliberately downplaying their interest in the talented cornerback. Could the Cowboys be bluffing in an attempt to keep other teams from getting wind of their true draft intentions? If that’s the case, they’re certainly doing a good job of hiding their cards.

However, for those holding out hope that McCoy could be the selection at No. 12, it’s worth noting that both Fisher and Harris are reporting a lack of interest from the Cowboys, mainly due to the risk associated with his injury history.

LOOKING AHEAD: WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE COWBOYS’ DRAFT PLANS?

While McCoy may be a dynamic cornerback with immense potential, it seems that the Cowboys’ interest in him has waned due to his injury concerns. With Jerry Jones‘ firm stance on drafting players who can contribute immediately, McCoy’s ACL recovery might keep him out of Dallas’ plans for now.

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, expect the Cowboys to focus on players who can fill immediate needs on defense and offense, with names like Arvell Reese, David Bailey, and Sonny Styles remaining more likely candidates for their picks.

The Cowboys’ draft decisions will certainly shape the future of their defense, and while McCoy’s talent is undeniable, his injury history may ultimately prevent him from donning a Dallas uniform in 2026. For now, it looks like the Cowboys will be looking elsewhere in their pursuit of a top cornerback.