Bru McCoy’s Draft-Day Mystery: Why the Tennessee Standout Remains on the NFL Sidelines
As the final name was called at the 2025 NFL Draft in Detroit, fans of Tennessee football and NFL hopefuls across the country shared a collective sense of shock and confusion. One name, expected by many to be called, never echoed through the draft stage: Bru McCoy.
The former five-star recruit, USC transfer, and Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver had long been on the radar of NFL scouts. With his imposing frame, physical playing style, and SEC production, McCoy appeared to have all the tools to hear his name on draft weekend. Yet, despite projections placing him anywhere from the mid-rounds to late Day 3, McCoy now finds himself facing one of the most unexpected outcomes for a high-profile college football veteran—going undrafted.
From Promising Recruit to SEC Force
McCoy’s journey to this point has been anything but conventional. Originally recruited as a five-star athlete by USC, he transferred briefly to Texas before eventually returning to Southern California. But it wasn’t until he landed in Knoxville that his college career truly began to take shape.
In 2022 and 2023, McCoy became a vital part of Tennessee’s high-octane offense under head coach Josh Heupel. He finished the 2022 season with 667 yards and 4 touchdowns, followed by a promising start to 2023 before a season-ending ankle injury cut his campaign short. The injury, though serious, was not expected to jeopardize his draft stock entirely—especially given the flashes of NFL-caliber physicality and competitiveness he had shown.
So Why Wasn’t He Drafted?
The question looming large over McCoy’s status is deceptively simple: why did no team take a chance on him? The answer likely lies in a combination of factors—some physical, some situational, and some perception-based.
Medical Concerns:
The broken ankle McCoy suffered in 2023 required significant recovery time. Though he participated in some pre-draft workouts, reports suggest several teams had lingering concerns over his long-term durability and readiness for training camp.
Positional Depth:
The 2025 NFL Draft featured one of the deepest wide receiver classes in recent memory. With elite talents like Emeka Egbuka, Xavier Worthy, and Ladd McConkey dominating headlines, mid-tier prospects like McCoy were at risk of being overshadowed.
Unclear Role Fit:
While McCoy boasts great size (6’3″, 220 lbs) and toughness, questions about his top-end speed and separation ability may have caused some teams to question how he fits into modern NFL offenses that prize versatility and explosiveness at the receiver position.
Limited Recent Tape:
Due to his injury and relatively short resume as a featured WR1, McCoy entered the draft with limited recent film compared to his peers. For teams investing in Day 3 picks, this lack of updated performance data may have made him a risk.
What’s Next for Bru McCoy?
Despite the disappointment of going undrafted, all is not lost for the Tennessee star. Multiple NFL insiders have reported that McCoy has already received interest from several teams as a priority free agent, with the potential to earn a roster spot through minicamps or summer workouts.
His physical gifts, experience in a pro-style college system, and maturity make him an intriguing prospect for franchises looking to add depth at receiver or special teams. The right system—perhaps one with a strong veteran receiver room or a need for physical slot play—could be exactly what McCoy needs to carve out his professional niche.
As one AFC South scout put it:
“Bru’s a dog. If he gets healthy and locks in during camp, he’s absolutely got a shot to make a 53-man roster. Guys with his size and toughness don’t grow on trees.”
Support from Vol Nation
In the wake of the draft, McCoy received a wave of support from fans, teammates, and the Tennessee football program. Former teammates took to social media to express disbelief, while others praised McCoy for his resilience and character.
Coach Heupel also weighed in, saying:
“Bru gave everything to this program and has the heart of a warrior. He’s not done—far from it. The NFL may have missed him on draft day, but they’ll know his name soon enough.”
The NFL Dream Isn’t Over—It’s Just Beginning
Bru McCoy’s draft-day snub is a reminder of how unpredictable and unforgiving the road to the NFL can be—even for talented, hard-working athletes. But it’s also a reminder that the draft is only one chapter in a longer story.
As McCoy now looks ahead to rookie minicamps and training opportunities, his story transitions from “draft mystery” to “comeback candidate.” For a player whose journey has always defied convention, perhaps this latest twist will be the one that fuels his ultimate breakthrough.
