Jermod McCoy primed for his revenge tour ahead of Raiders debut

As the 101st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, McCoy is fully aware of the battle that lies ahead. One hundred players were selected before him, and teams clearly had concerns about his long-term health. More importantly, they questioned whether he could become an impact player sooner rather than later.

When it comes to regaining his old self, the speed, movement, and complete skill set that once defined him, McCoy was refreshingly honest in a recent interview.

The Raiders rookie is ready for his moment…

“I’m getting there,” said the rookie defensive back. “It’s been a long time since I really played football. So that’s really what I’m taking this as: an opportunity to get myself back to where I was. I feel like I’m almost there.”

As the Raiders kick off their 2026 preseason on Thursday, McCoy will be playing his first meaningful snaps of football in quite some time. Still, the upside is undeniable. If it weren’t, you can be sure general manager John Spytek never would have made the call.

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Fortunately for McCoy, he entered a situation filled with players who have had to overcome doubt. Maxx Crosby, Mr. Raider himself, was a mid-round pick who clawed his way to the top. Recognizing that, McCoy acknowledged both his teammates and the support system that has been established in Henderson.

“From the day I came in to now, the way I feel is so much better,” McCoy stated. “All the guys in there, I feel like they’ve really been pouring into me. They’ve gotten me right.”

Little by little, McCoy is regaining his stride, and it appears to be happening ahead of schedule. Despite doubts from fans, the former Tennessee star could soon emerge as an impact contributor. As mentioned before, the upside is there. Now it’s up to the Raiders’ defensive coaching staff to put him in the right positions and help maximize his potential.