John Spytek fires back at concerns over Jermod McCoy after stunning draft fall

The Las Vegas Raiders took a big day three NFL Draft swing in taking Jermod McCoy. The Tennessee cornerback enters the league with a concerning knee injury. General manager John Spytek fired back at those concerns Wednesday, however.

The Raiders GM told Up and Adams with Kay Adams that he’s confident in McCoy. He added the front office performed valuable research on McCoy before choosing him during the fourth round.

“This was a well-vetted, thoughtful process that we had talked about at length for weeks and even months,” Spytek began.

He included the other element that persuaded him to grab McCoy amid his torn ACL.

“With the belief we have in our (medical staff), we were comfortable at that point,” Spytek said. “He’s a highly talented kid.”

John Spytek on taking Jermod McCoy

“This was a well-vetted, thoughtful process that we had talked about at length for weeks and even months… With the belief we have in our (medical staff)… we were comfortable at that point… He’s a highly talented kid.” pic.twitter.com/GLLMzF3Jem

— Nick Walters (@nickwalt) April 29, 2026

McCoy’s selection earned a “gamble” narrative by various NFL draft experts. The Volunteers star even faced rumors of needing a second knee surgery pre-draft.

The ailment forced him out of the 2025 lineup in Knoxville. Plus robbed him of becoming a first round talent, let alone one who could sneak into the top 10.

He exploded in 2024 during his first season at Tennessee: Grabbing four interceptions and swatting seven passes his side. He also broke up seven passes during his lone campaign at Oregon State in 2023 with two picks there. His devastating 2025 knee tear created the belief McCoy would drop out of the first round, but not that far.

Yet fans grew perplexed over how far McCoy dropped during draft weekend. Which shows how serious his knee is. Spytek and the Raiders feel they boosted the CB spot with his pick, though.

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