The Dallas Cowboys' Executive Vice President, Stephen Jones, recently offered insight into the team’s evaluation of a potential first-round cornerback from the Tennessee Volunteers.

During his appearance on the 105.3 THE FAN show, Jones was asked whether cornerback Jermod McCoy is viewed as a possible “redshirt” prospect for the 2026 season. 

“That’s a work in progress," said Stephen Jones. "We’re trying to do all the work that we need to do to get our hands around what his status will be."

The Cowboys VP also listed out the things they consider before making a decision on McCoy.

"We start with everything, what his status is for the minicamp...training camp, and then ultimately, will he be able to play part of the season? — Those are levels that we put into an equation to where we come down on a particular player,” Jones said.

Analysts such as ESPN’s Field Yates and NFL Network's Rhett Lewis have linked McCoy to Dallas at No. 12, citing his physical profile and production.

However, NFL insider Tony Pauline has reported that multiple teams flagged concerns during medical evaluations, particularly surrounding his knee. 

"Over the past two days, multiple sources have told me that several teams have red-flagged the combine medicals of Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy, who did not play last season after sustaining a knee injury in January of 2025," Pauline wrote.

McCoy has played a total of 25 games with Oregon State and the Tennessee Volunteers. In two years, he recorded 75 tackles (42 solo), six interceptions, and 16 passes defended.

However, he missed the whole of the 2025 season due to a torn ACL.

According to Sports Illustrated, if medically cleared, Jermod McCoy is viewed as a high-upside boundary corner who could compete with or eventually replace current options like DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel Jr.

He has gained momentum following a strong Pro Day, as he clocked a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, which has pushed him into the Dallas Cowboys’ range in several mock drafts.

Dallas Cowboys’ Win-Now Mindset Clashes with Jermod McCoy Timeline

CBS Sports highlighted the uncertainty around Jermod McCoy, noting that while his talent is clear, his recovery timeline makes it difficult to evaluate his prospects at this stage.

That uncertainty relates directly to the approach Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made clear in February.

“We can’t redshirt a second-round pick," Jones said. "We don’t have a second-round pick to begin with, but if we got one, we can’t redshirt those guys this year. We gotta go… We got to go this year. We got to have it out there, and when we got to be working it this year.”

This stance has been echoed by beat reporters like Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Nick Harris and NFL insider Mike Fisher, both of whom have indicated McCoy may not be firmly in play for Dallas due to his injury timeline.

All of which leaves McCoy’s fit in Dallas uncertain, especially given the team’s urgency for immediate contributors. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore