Colton Hood projected to be picked ahead of Jermod McCoy in new NFL mock draft

Tennessee Football is currently projected to have two corners selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but Jermod McCoy is no longer the first one expected to hear his name called. According to CBS Sports, it could be Colton Hood instead.

CBS Sports NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson this week updated his mock draft with Hood projected to go at No. 13 overall to the Chicago Bears, while McCoy dropped to the 23rd overall pick to the Indianapolis Colts. 

Hood has been a breakout star at Tennessee after transferring from Colorado. He has two defensive touchdowns in his first five games, to go with 19 tackles, including 2.0 tackles for loss, and five passes defended.

Colton Hood shows ‘elite change-of-direction ability in space’

“Colton Hood, who is still 20 years old, is a physical, aggressive CB who has excellent man and zone coverage skills,” Wilson wrote, “is consistently in phase and creates opportunities for PBUs and interceptions. 

“He shows elite change-of-direction ability in space, drives on quick routes and screens, and is a reliable wrap-up tackler who can limit YAC against shifty ball-carriers.”

Wilson has Hood ranked as his 35th-best prospect in next spring’s NFL Draft and is ranked No. 2 at corner. McCoy is ranked No. 1 at corner and No. 6 overall on Wilson’s draft board. 

“Jermod McCoy is a physical corner who can play man on an island and is also comfortable in zone looks,” Wilson wrote. “He’s in phase on vertical routes, and in run support he comes downhill looking to thump someone. He’s coming off a January ACL injury, and while he’s yet to get back on the field, he could end up being the best CB in this class.”

Josh Heupel: Jermod McCoy has ‘more to go’ in ACL rehab process

McCoy returned to the practice field for individual drills but as of Monday had not yet returned to team activity in practice. 

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said on Monday that McCoy has “got more to go” in his rehab process, while the rehab process continues. There’s currently no timetable for his return.

“Jermod continues to do a great job in his rehab with our medical staff, our strength staff,” Heupel said. “Somebody told me there was a report out there of a certain ball game that he’s focused in on as far as returning. I think that’s unfair. Whoever put that out there, I don’t think truly understands Jermod and the situation. 

“He’s done a really good job. He’s got more to go. I think it’s all about him being prepared to go play. There’s a lot of things that go into that. You look at the position he plays, all the reactionary work that you have to have in so your always balancing his ability to be prepared and short-term, long-term health as well.”