NFL Draft Rumors Heat Up: McCoy's Stock Drops as Steelers Eye Trades

Dexter Lawrence's trade from the Giants to the Bengals has set the stage for a whirlwind of speculation ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The deal, which sent the No. 10 overall pick to New York, has major implications for the draft landscape, especially with the Giants now holding two top 10 picks. Jermod McCoy, a former Tennessee cornerback, has seen his draft stock plummet. Despite being considered a top talent, he missed the entire 2025 season due to an ACL tear. His impressive pro day had initially solidified his first-round status, but concerns over a bone plug in his knee have raised red flags among teams. As of now, McCoy's odds of being a top 10 pick have shifted to +850, with a new draft position set at Over/Under 17.5. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly open to trading one of their pass rushers, Alex Highsmith or Nick Herbig. The depth at outside linebacker, including T.J. Watt and Jack Sawyer, may lead to a strategic trade if the compensation aligns. However, losing either player could impact depth, especially given Watt's injury history. In addition, the Steelers may need to consider drafting a left tackle following a setback for Broderick Jones. This news heightens the likelihood of Pittsburgh selecting an offensive tackle with their 21st overall pick. Other rumors include the Arizona Cardinals possibly targeting Ty Simpson with their No. 3 pick, while Garrett Nussmeier faces health concerns that could affect his draft standing. Finally, discussions continue regarding a potential trade sending A.J. Brown from the Eagles to the Patriots, with both teams waiting for June 1 to finalize any deal.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-21