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Raiders Draft Surprise: Knee Injury Can't Stop Top Cornerback
29 Apr
Summary
- Raiders traded pick 102 and a 2027 seventh-round pick for pick 101.
- Jermod McCoy, a top cornerback prospect, missed the 2025 season with an ACL tear.
- The Raiders prioritized defense, drafting four defensive backs in the top 10 picks.
The Las Vegas Raiders executed a surprising draft strategy, prioritizing defense by trading for promising cornerback Jermod McCoy. Despite McCoy missing the entire 2025 season due to a torn ACL suffered in January 2025, the Raiders believed he was the best cornerback in his draft class.
To secure McCoy with the 101st pick, the Raiders sent pick No. 102 and a 2027 seventh-round selection to the Buffalo Bills. This move was part of a broader effort to bolster their secondary, as they drafted three other defensive backs, including safety Treydan Stukes at No. 38.
This defensive focus addressed the Raiders' struggles in pass coverage last season, where they allowed a 68.5% completion rate. The team aimed to add versatile playmakers to support new quarterback Fernando Mendoza, reinforcing their belief that improving the defense was crucial for their rebuild.
Beyond McCoy and Stukes, the Raiders also drafted Hezekiah Masses and safety Dalton Johnson. While McCoy's recovery is a key factor, the team's leadership expressed confidence in his potential to be a significant contributor, potentially a draft steal, if he pans out.
