Giants get surprising player in mock draft by NFL data analyst Cynthia Frelund

NFL mock drafts become boring and repetitive after a while, especially for a team like the New York Giants that is selecting early in the first round. Again and again, the group-think focuses on the same players.

That is why mock drafts from NFL Network analytics expert Cynthia Frelund can be refreshing. She uses a data-driven model to project picks based on which players will help teams win the most games in the upcoming season. Her results are often outside the mainstream of traditional mock drafts.

Frelund’s pick for the Giants in her first mock draft of 2026 is such an example.

Wide receiver? No. Offensive line? No? Safety Caleb Downs? No. Edge defender or linebacker? No.

Frelund selected a cornerback. And, she did not select the cornerback most analysts have rated as the No. 1 cornerback in the 2026 draft class, Mansoor Delane of LSU.

Frelund’s choice for John Harbaugh and Dennard Wilson’s defense? Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy.

Frelund writes:

McCoy tore his ACL in January 2025 (he missed all of last season), so we’ll have to see how his medical evaluations turn out during the draft process (including at the NFL Scouting Combine). But my model loves his potential and upside: He has the highest rating for a true press corner in this year’s class. Also, at just 20 years old, he’s two years younger than my No. 2 rated corner, Mansoor Delane.

Valentine’s View

I LOVE this pick. I fully understand why Delane will likely be selected before McCoy — it’s tough to sell selecting a player who did not play in 2025 due to an ACL injury at No. 5.

Watch the 2024 tape of McCoy. He is an aggressive press-man cornerback with ball skills, the ability to run and mirror, and some attitude.

Here is a video scouting report:

Everything with McCoy, of course, depends upon his recovery from the ACL injury.

Here is a scouting report on McCoy including some thoughts from former Big Blue View contributor Joe DeLeone, now a college football analyst:

The It-Factor: “If my grading ended today on him I would have a blue chip grade on Jermod McCoy… this is a top 10 pick all day in my opinion if healthy… He’s a turnover creator.” ~ Joe DeLeone

McCoy’s Versatility: “Defenses with varying schemes, particularly those emphasizing zone patterns, highlight his football IQ and spatial awareness, he can process information quickly and anticipate plays.” ~ NFL Scout

Coaching Staff View On Rehab: “He’s handled it really well from the very beginning. Just his mindset and how he’s approached every single day… He’s done an elite job throughout his rehab.” ~ HC Josh Heupel

“The most competitive in the room, I can honestly say, he’s itching to do whatever it takes.” ~ DB Coach Willie Martinez

Pro Comp: “Jermod McCoy is magnetic in coverage… My pro comparison for Jermod McCoy is Pittsburgh Steelers [former Detroit Lions] cornerback Darius Slay… Slay earlier in his career was a guy who played more press coverage, had the high-end ball skills and athletic traits.” ~ Joe DeLeone

I absolutely get why this would be an unlikely selection. Still, I think McCoy is a potentially electric player who has the right skill set to play in the aggressive defense the Giants seem likely to deploy.