The Dallas Cowboys are on the hunt for a cornerback, with the NFL Draft right around the corner. It’s no secret that this position is a top priority for them this year.
While Mansoor Delane has been a popular choice in mock drafts at No. 12, the Cowboys might need to pivot if he’s unavailable or if they choose a different path. So, who else should they consider in the first round?
Enter Colton Hood, the rising star from Tennessee. With Jermod McCoy sidelined due to an ACL injury, Hood stepped up as the Volunteers' top cornerback and is now making waves as a potential first-round pick. Let’s dive into what makes him a standout candidate for the Cowboys.
Colton Hood Jr. 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report
- Height: 5'11.5"
- Weight: 193 pounds
- 40-Yard Dash Time: 4.44 seconds
- Recruiting: 4-star recruit, ranked No. 374 nationally, No. 37 among cornerbacks
- College Production: 29 games, 77 total tackles, 14 pass deflections, 5.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions
Strengths:
Hood is a physical presence at the line of scrimmage, often overpowering receivers with his initial punch. His willingness to tackle, especially against larger opponents in the run game, has seen significant improvement from 2024 to 2025.
With enough speed to keep up with explosive receivers, Hood excels in press coverage, using his violent hands to disrupt routes early. His patience and ability to handle fake releases make him a formidable opponent in man-to-man situations.
Hood’s explosive athleticism and press coverage skills make him a hot commodity for teams looking for a physical cornerback. His development as a tackler has rounded out his skill set, and there’s optimism he could thrive even more in the NFL.
Areas for Improvement:
Hood’s linear athleticism and lack of elite mirroring skills mean he relies heavily on his physicality. At the college level, he struggled with in-breaking routes and showed modest production with only three interceptions and 14 pass deflections.
When it comes to deep targets, locating the ball can be a challenge, leading to potential penalties. His stiff hips also limit his ability to change directions fluidly.
The limited zone coverage reps on his tape add another layer of complexity to his NFL projection. His reliance on physicality over finesse could result in penalty issues, and his ball production needs to improve to avoid being pigeonholed into a specific scheme.
NFL Player Comparison: Tyson Campbell, Cleveland Browns
Much like Tyson Campbell, Hood thrives in bump-and-run coverage and is a strong tackler in the run game. However, both players face challenges with flexibility and ball production, which may cap their ceiling.
Fit With The Dallas Cowboys:
The Cowboys have a preference for cornerbacks with long arms and quick speeds, a trend that has persisted under Will McClay and is likely to continue with Christian Parker. Hood fits this mold as an outside cornerback, though Dallas already has Daron Bland and Shavon Revel. Bland’s versatility to play in the slot and Revel’s uncertain starting status could open the door for Hood’s physical style and tackling prowess to make an impact.
Selecting Hood at No. 20 might be a stretch, especially if a talent like Avieon Terrell is still available.
Draft Grade: Round 2
Hood’s growth in 2025 is promising, but with just 1,150 college snaps under his belt, there are still question marks. His success hinges on winning at the line of scrimmage, and quicker receivers could pose challenges. Yet, at just 21 years old, his tackling ability makes him an intriguing prospect with room to grow.