Dallas Cowboys Facing Tough Decision on Jermod McCoy in 2026 NFL Draft Amid Injury Concerns

The Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2026 NFL Draft with a golden opportunity to secure game-changing defensive talent, holding the 12th and 20th overall picks. With a wealth of prospects to choose from, the team is in a prime position to strengthen its defense and build for the future. However, the decision-making process will be anything but easy, as the Cowboys must balance talent with risk—particularly when it comes to Jermod McCoy, a highly regarded cornerback from Tennessee.

McCoy, who was projected to be a first-round pick, missed the entire 2025 season due to a torn ACL, raising serious concerns about his long-term health. While the cornerback showed elite potential before his injury, including a 4.37 40-yard dash at Tennessee’s Pro Day and four interceptions during the 2024 season, the uncertainty surrounding his recovery has raised alarms within the Cowboys organization.

Knee Injury Raises Red Flags for Dallas Cowboys

According to Brian Broaddus of 105.3 The Fan, there is a significant level of concern within the Cowboys’ front office regarding McCoy’s knee injury. Broaddus reported that conversations with people inside the organization indicate that the injury is “a real concern,” and as a result, the Cowboys may shy away from selecting him even if he is available at either No. 12 or No. 20 in the first round.

“After talking to people in the organization, they’re saying the knee is a real concern there,” Broaddus said. “So, yeah, I don’t see them taking McCoy if he was there.”

The Cowboys are understandably cautious after dealing with similar concerns in the past. Last offseason, the team selected Shavon Revel Jr., a rookie cornerback, who was recovering from a torn ACL at the time of the draft. Revel made his NFL debut in Week 11 and eventually earned a starting role for the remainder of the season. However, the team might be hesitant to repeat the situation with McCoy, especially given the potential risk of using a first-round pick on a player whose health is uncertain.

McCoy’s Potential vs. Injury Concerns

Despite the injury concerns, McCoy’s talent is undeniable. A native of Whitehouse, TX, he had an impressive college career with the Tennessee Volunteers, showcasing his ability as a ball-hawking cornerback with a mix of speed and instincts. If healthy, McCoy could be an instant contributor for the Cowboys, bolstering their defensive backfield with his elite athleticism and coverage skills.

His 4.37 40-yard dash at Tennessee’s Pro Day solidified his status as one of the most explosive cornerback prospects in the 2026 draft class. However, McCoy’s injury history and the time he missed on the field have led some to question whether he can regain the form that made him one of the top defensive prospects heading into the draft.

A Hometown Return?

There is also an intriguing storyline surrounding McCoy’s potential selection by the Cowboys: the chance for a hometown return. Having grown up in Whitehouse, TX, McCoy could bring an emotional connection to the team, playing for his hometown franchise. This could be a compelling narrative for both McCoy and the Cowboys if they believe he can fully recover and live up to his potential.

But while the emotional pull is strong, the Cowboys will need to weigh the risks carefully. As much as McCoy represents a significant talent, the Cowboys may not be willing to gamble on his health with a first-round pick, especially when there are so many other promising prospects available.

Dallas Cowboys’ Focus on Building a Balanced Defense

The Cowboys are looking to add depth to their defensive backfield, especially in the wake of some key departures in recent years. They also have needs at edge rusher and linebacker, and the upcoming draft will provide an opportunity to fill those gaps. The team’s front office has been methodical in its approach to building a championship-caliber defense, and they will likely take a conservative approach when selecting players with injury concerns.

While McCoy’s upside is clear, the question remains whether the Cowboys are willing to take a risk on a player who might not be able to contribute immediately, or if they’ll prioritize a more reliable option who can make an impact in the short term. With the 12th and 20th picks, they have the flexibility to make a splash on the defensive side of the ball, but they must be cautious about making a selection that could backfire.

The Final Decision

As the 2026 NFL Draft draws nearer, the Cowboys are in the midst of evaluating their options. McCoy is undoubtedly a talented player, but the lingering questions about his injury status could push the Cowboys to look elsewhere for a player who can contribute right away.

The coming weeks will determine whether the Cowboys decide to take a calculated risk on McCoy, or if they opt for a safer, healthier alternative. Regardless of the outcome, the 2026 NFL Draft promises to be a pivotal moment for the Dallas Cowboys as they continue to build a defense capable of competing for championships in the years to come.