Why Tennessee’s WR Bru McCoy Remains Unsigned After NFL Draft

Bru McCoy, a wide receiver from the University of Tennessee, was a player many expected to be drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, but as of now, he remains unsigned. His case has generated plenty of speculation among football analysts and fans alike. While McCoy is undoubtedly talented, several factors contribute to why he might still be waiting for an opportunity to join an NFL team.

1. Injury Concerns and Durability Issues

One of the most significant factors that has likely affected Bru McCoy’s draft prospects and subsequent unsigned status is his injury history. McCoy suffered a significant ankle injury during the 2023 season that forced him to miss the bulk of the year. While he made a return in 2024, it is possible that teams in the NFL are wary of his long-term health and ability to remain durable throughout a demanding professional season.

Injury history is a major red flag for NFL teams, especially for a position like wide receiver, where agility, speed, and sudden changes in direction are crucial. While McCoy showed resilience by recovering and playing in 2024, the uncertainty about his full recovery and ability to perform at a high level week-in and week-out likely made some teams hesitant to invest in him through the draft.

2. Inconsistent Performance

Another factor that could have contributed to McCoy’s unsigned status is his performance during his college career. Though he had standout games and flashes of brilliance, McCoy struggled with consistency, particularly during his 2024 season. After transferring from USC to Tennessee, McCoy had to adapt to a new system, and while he had solid numbers in 2022 with 52 catches for 667 yards, his 2024 campaign didn’t showcase the same level of dominance.

In the highly competitive world of the NFL, teams are looking for prospects who have proven themselves to be consistently productive at the college level. McCoy’s sporadic performances and limited games in 2024 may have raised questions about his ability to transition smoothly into the NFL. While potential is important, NFL teams need to be confident that a player will contribute on a regular basis, and inconsistency could have been a dealbreaker for some.

3. The Deep Wide Receiver Class in 2025

The 2025 NFL Draft class was one of the deepest in recent years when it comes to wide receiver talent. Players like Marvin Harrison Jr., Jameson Williams, and others were highly sought after, leading to stiff competition for spots on NFL rosters. Given the number of elite prospects at the wide receiver position, McCoy may have simply been overshadowed by other, more proven players who demonstrated more consistent production or had higher athletic ceilings.

Teams likely prioritized other receivers who had more well-rounded or impressive careers in college, especially considering the depth of talent in the draft pool. For a player like McCoy, who had injury concerns and inconsistent performances, the competition for wide receiver spots may have been simply too stiff for him to secure a selection.

4. Off-Field Concerns and Transfer History

Another less tangible factor that may have influenced McCoy’s draft status could be his off-field history, including his transfer from USC to Tennessee. McCoy’s college career was marked by a transfer that raised some eyebrows. His decision to leave USC after his freshman season, and his move to Tennessee, while ultimately beneficial for his development, may have raised questions about his maturity and his ability to handle the demands of an NFL career.

While McCoy has demonstrated personal growth since his transfer and has been a respected leader for Tennessee, off-field concerns can sometimes play a larger role in NFL evaluations than is publicly discussed. Teams are always evaluating players’ character and work ethic, and past transfers can sometimes signal a lack of commitment or stability, even if that is not necessarily true.

5. Lack of a Senior Bowl or Combine Invitation

Another key component that could have impacted McCoy’s draft stock is the lack of exposure in major offseason events like the Senior Bowl or the NFL Scouting Combine. Many players boost their draft stock with standout performances at these events, where NFL scouts can see them compete against top-tier talent. McCoy did not have the chance to showcase his skills on these stages, which could have limited his visibility among NFL teams.

Although McCoy’s college tape provided some solid evidence of his potential, scouts often look for players who can stand out in these highly competitive settings to ensure they can handle the next level. A lack of participation or standout performances at these events could be another reason why McCoy went undrafted.

6. NFL Team Needs

NFL teams have specific needs, and in a draft year where the wide receiver position was so deep, teams may have simply not viewed McCoy as the best fit for their roster. Each team has a different strategy when it comes to filling needs, and some may have decided to pass on McCoy in favor of other players who better suited their offensive system or who they felt would have a higher upside.

Moreover, teams that already have established wide receiver depth may have chosen to prioritize other positions during the draft. McCoy’s talent and potential are undeniable, but NFL teams often prioritize filling the most immediate gaps in their roster, and wide receiver might not have been the highest priority for every franchise in the 2025 draft.

7. NFL Draft Trends and Analytics

In the modern NFL, data analytics play an increasingly important role in determining which players teams draft. Teams analyze a wide range of statistics, including performance metrics, advanced athleticism, and injury history. It is possible that McCoy’s metrics didn’t stand out enough to justify taking a chance on him when there were other players with more favorable statistical profiles or better combine performances.

While McCoy may have been a talented player with moments of brilliance, his statistical profile and data may not have checked all the boxes that NFL teams were looking for. In a data-driven league, teams are often hesitant to take risks on players who don’t fit the ideal profile, especially when there are other, more reliable options available.

Despite going undrafted, Bru McCoy still has a chance to make an impact in the NFL. Several undrafted free agents have gone on to have successful careers, and McCoy could be one of those players if he continues to work on his craft and prove himself in training camps and preseason games. His combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability could catch the eye of NFL teams looking for a receiver with potential.

For McCoy, the road ahead may require a different approach than what was initially expected. He will likely need to prove himself through hard work, leadership, and consistent performances to earn a roster spot. His journey is far from over, and with the right opportunity, Bru McCoy could still carve out a successful career in the NFL.

Ultimately, the reasons why McCoy remains unsigned after the 2025 NFL Draft are a mix of injury concerns, inconsistent performance, stiff competition from a deep wide receiver class, and off-field considerations. However, his talent is undeniable, and if he can overcome these challenges, his future in the NFL could still be bright.