‘Beast’ Draft Guy Says CB for Vikings in Round 1
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler publishes the most thorough draft publication in the world every April, and after doing that recently, he has a follow-up mock draft freshly released. For the Minnesota Vikings in Round 1, he rolled with Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy.
Minnesota may need cornerback help, and McCoy’s rising stock is putting him firmly in the first-round conversation.
McCoy’s draft profile has soared in the last couple of weeks, so much so that many wonder if he’ll even be available at Pick No. 18
One Draft Analyst Sees a Clear Fit in Minnesota
The draft is seven days away. Fasten your seatbelts.
Brugler: McCoy to MIN
In Round 1, Brugler tabbed McCoy for Minnesota, who would be the Vikings’ first Round 1 cornerback in six years (Jeff Gladney, 2020, TCU).
He explained the pick, “McCoy is a tough player to project in a mock draft — some teams are comfortable with his 2025 knee injury, while others won’t consider him in the first round. I don’t know how the Vikings feel, but adding his level of talent to a Brian Flores defense would be fun to watch.”
As it stands, the Vikings have Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, and James Pierre lined up for CB duty in 2026, but no one would be too upset if the club invested in a potential young stud like McCoy.
Why? Well, Minnesota hasn’t successfully drafted a cornerback of any kind since 2015 or 2016 (Trae Waynes & Mackensie Alexander).
The Full Haul per Brugler
Because Brugler is about as thorough as it gets, he completed a full seven-round mock. Here’s the Vikings’ full haul, according to him:
- Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee) | R1
- Lee Hunter (DT, Texas Tech) | R2
- A.J. Haulcy (S, LSU) | R3
- Sam Hecht (C, Kansas State) | R3
- Jeff Caldwell (WR, Cincinnati) | R5
- Mason Reiger (EDGE, Wisconsin) | R6
- J.C. Davis (OT, Illinois) | R7
- Seth McGowan (RB, Kentucky) | R7
- Josh Cuevas (TE, Alabama) | R7
Fans would be especially elated by Hunter in Round 2 and Hecht with the Sam Darnold compensatory draft pick.
SI.com‘s Will Ragatz on Hunter: “When it comes to big-bodied run stuffers at defensive tackle, I like the idea of Hunter at 49 a lot more than Kayden McDonald at 18. He had 31.5 tackles for loss over the past three seasons at UCF and Texas Tech.”
“Hunter didn’t test very well athletically and isn’t much of a pass rusher, but he could be just what the Vikings need as a powerful nose tackle in the middle of their defense.”
McCoy’s Scouting Report
McCoy’s draft stock is rapidly rising, potentially putting him out of Minnesota’s reach by the time their selection is made. Widely regarded as the second-best cornerback in this year’s class, he trails only Mansoor Delane from LSU, who is projected as a 1st-Round pick.
Still only 20 years old, McCoy is returning from a torn ACL sustained in 2025 while at Tennessee. When healthy, he typically lines up as an outside cornerback, handling boundary responsibilities.
McCoy is 6’1″ and 190 pounds with 4.37 speed. He’s known for his ball skills, timing, fluidity, and press-man technique. He must improve his tackling and run support. The ACL tear in January 2025 also isn’t ideal.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared him to Tyson Campbell and noted, “McCoy is a toolsy outside corner with CB1 flashes, but an ACL tear robbed him of a much-needed third season. Hips and feet are smooth, allowing for quality lateral transitions and efficient gathers to match hard-breaking curls. He’s athletic in his recoveries but average acceleration leaves him chasing too often on go routes.”
“More focused, physical press disruption should make the rep easier to control. He’s opportunistic with strong ball skills at the catch point. His route squeeze and zone awareness should improve with more reps. We should expect McCoy’s athletic traits and instincts to help him make up for lost time once he gets into camp.”
RB Neglected for the Most Part
In Brugler’s mock, the Vikings didn’t nab a running back until Round 7, hopping into bed with McGowan of Kentucky, who will be a 25-year-old rookie and offers an RB2-RB3 skill set. Most fans expect — and want — a more serious young running back.
Before Round 7, men like Jadarian Price (Notre Dame), Jonah Coleman (Washington), Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas), Emmett Johnson (Nebraska), and Nick Singleton (Penn State) will be available to Minnesota. First-rounder Jeremiyah Love, also from Notre Dame, will be long gone before Minnesota is summoned to pick.
Here’s to hoping that the Vikings land a tailback before Round 7. It’s time.
You must be logged in to post a comment.