Bru McCoy, a standout wide receiver for the Tennessee Volunteers, faces an unexpected challenge in his professional career. Despite his impactful college tenure and strong fanbase, McCoy remains unsigned as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) following the 2025 NFL Draft, held on April 24-26, 2025. This development has surprised many Tennessee fans and analysts.
McCoy’s College Career: Resilience Through Adversity
Bru McCoy’s college football journey was marked by persistence. Starting at USC, he transferred to Texas, returned to USC, and finally thrived at Tennessee under coach Josh Heupel. At Tennessee, McCoy recorded 108 receptions for 1,356 yards and 7 touchdowns over three seasons (2022-2024), despite significant injury setbacks. A 2023 ankle fracture-dislocation limited him to five games, and lingering injuries in 2024 affected his consistency. His physicality, reliable hands, and clutch performances in SEC games made him a beloved “Vol for Life.”
2025 NFL Draft: Unmet Expectations
Entering the 2025 NFL Draft, some analysts projected McCoy as a Day 3 pick (Rounds 4-7), with others viewing him as a likely UDFA due to his injury history and lack of elite speed. Despite hopes of a late-round selection or a quick UDFA signing, McCoy’s name was absent as the draft concluded and initial UDFA deals were announced.
Scouting reports highlighted concerns. McCoy’s injuries, notably the 2023 ankle surgery, raised questions about long-term durability, especially since he did not participate in NFL Combine drills. At 6’3” and 215-230 lbs, McCoy boasts an excellent catch radius and physicality, but scouts noted his straight-line speed and route agility were not elite, limiting his separation ability. Without strong athletic testing data, his draft stock suffered.
Still, McCoy’s intangibles—leadership as a 2024 team captain, toughness, and football IQ—make him a candidate for NFL rosters, particularly for teams valuing grit and versatility.
What’s Next for McCoy?
McCoy’s unsigned status does not end his NFL aspirations. Rookie minicamps and training camps, held in May and July 2025, offer tryout opportunities for UDFAs. Teams often sign players after these sessions or following preseason injuries.
Potential team fits include franchises needing depth at receiver:
- Tennessee Titans: Thin at receiver beyond their starters, the Titans could value McCoy’s physicality and local connection to Knoxville.
- Los Angeles Rams: Sean McVay’s offense favors tough, blocking receivers, aligning with McCoy’s 75.8 run-blocking grade in 2024 (per PFF).
- Atlanta Falcons: Seeking depth, the Falcons’ physical offensive scheme could suit McCoy’s skill set.
McCoy’s collegiate resilience—overcoming injuries and multiple transfers—suggests he can capitalize on such opportunities.
Fan Reaction: Support Amid Disappointment
Tennessee fans have expressed strong support for McCoy on platforms like X, praising his leadership and on-field impact. Posts from 2023 and 2024 highlight his value to the Vols, with sentiments like, “Bru McCoy is a warrior. He deserves a shot.” While no organized campaigns tagging NFL teams have been widely reported, fan disappointment over his unsigned status is evident in online discussions.
NFL Teams’ Perspective: A Competitive Landscape
Post-draft signings are a numbers game, with teams prioritizing positional needs and roster spots. Wide receiver is a deep position in the NFL, and players like McCoy, lacking elite athletic testing, face steep competition. However, his versatility—excelling as a blocker, contributing on special teams, and playing outside receiver roles—enhances his appeal as a depth or developmental player.
Conclusion: A Path Forward
Bru McCoy’s unsigned status after the 2025 NFL Draft is a setback, but his NFL journey is far from over. Opportunities through minicamps, training camps, or practice squad roles remain viable. His leadership, physicality, and perseverance—evident in his 2024 captaincy and recovery from injuries—position him as a compelling prospect. Tennessee fans and college football enthusiasts will continue rooting for McCoy to earn his NFL chance, confident that any team signing him will gain a true competitor.
