The Las Vegas Raiders made a calculated gamble at the start of the fourth round of the NFL draft, trading up one spot with the Buffalo Bills to select Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy. The move cost a seventh-round pick next year, but the payoff could be enormous if McCoy returns to his 2024 form.

The grade: A+

McCoy, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in the draft. His elite ball skills, exceptional closing burst, and understanding of route concepts made him a potential first-round talent before the injury. The medical concerns are real, however, and questions linger about his recovery and long-term availability.

“He’s absolutely worth the risk at this point,” the Raiders believe, as the team secured a player who could be the steal of the draft if healthy. McCoy’s competitiveness at the catch point and ability to perform near his 2024 level would be a massive boost to the secondary.