The Miami Dolphins are still feeling the impact of their blockbuster trade that sent All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this offseason. While the deal brought back safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, it also left a massive void on the outside — one that the Dolphins have yet to truly address.
Now, early 2026 NFL Draft projections are starting to hint at how Miami might fill that gap, and one name stands out.
According to Max Dorsey of PFSN, the Dolphins could turn to Tennessee standout Jermod McCoy, a rising NFL prospect and one of the most physical corners in the college game.
“After trading Jalen Ramsey to the Steelers, the Miami Dolphins are left with one of the league’s weakest cornerback units,” Dorsey wrote. “Drafting Jermod McCoy here would be a significant step toward addressing that issue.
“McCoy showcased strong vision and instincts in 2024, recording four interceptions for the Volunteers. He’s a high-level athlete with fluid hips, elite play speed, and the ability to stick in man coverage. The young corner also plays with physicality and is among the best press-man defenders in college football.”
McCoy’s production backs up the praise. Over his last two seasons — split between Oregon State and Tennessee — he’s totaled six interceptions and 16 pass deflections, establishing himself as one of the most disruptive cornerbacks in the nation. His ability to create turnovers and shut down receivers in one-on-one situations makes him a prime candidate to lead an NFL secondary.
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The Dolphins still have the opportunity to patch up their cornerback situation this offseason — most notably by pursuing free-agent corner Asante Samuel Jr., who remains unsigned. But after Asante Samuel Sr.’s blistering criticism of the organization, that possibility seems unlikely now.
“They’re sensitive, there’s no leadership in the Dolphins organization,” Samuel said on his Say What Needs to Be Said podcast. “Mike McDaniel is a pushover, Chris Grier — the GM — has no backbone… they’re running this team like a little league team.”
With the franchise now under pressure and without a proven long-term solution at corner, the focus may shift toward the 2026 NFL Draft. If McCoy continues to dominate in 2025, he could easily emerge as the most logical replacement for Ramsey — and a much-needed foundational piece for Miami’s retooling defense.
