As the NFL Combine kicks off in Indianapolis, all eyes are on the latest first-round mock draft projections from ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. This event is a crucial moment for Tennessee's NFL hopefuls, offering insights into how teams are evaluating players like Jermod McCoy, Colton Hood, and Chris Brazzell.
Colton Hood's offseason rise has been nothing short of spectacular. Once considered a mid-tier cornerback, he's now in the conversation as potentially the third cornerback off the board, with whispers of a first-round selection.
His standout performance at the Reece’s Senior Bowl has only fueled the buzz around him. Yet, despite this momentum, Kiper's latest mock draft doesn't feature Hood, echoing his earlier projections from January.
In Kiper's current mock, LSU's Mansoor Delane is pegged to go 12th overall to the Dallas Cowboys, with Tennessee's Jermod McCoy following at 13th to the Los Angeles Rams. Meanwhile, Clemson’s Avieon Terrell nudges out Hood for the Seattle Seahawks' final first-round pick.
Interestingly, Kiper initially projected Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell as a first-round pick for the Buffalo Bills at No. 26. However, after further evaluation, Brazzell has been omitted from the latest first-round predictions.
Jermod McCoy remains a focal point, slotted at 13th to the Rams. Both the Rams and Cowboys are known to be in the market for cornerbacks, making McCoy's performance at the Combine pivotal.
His absence from the 2025 season due to an ACL tear adds an extra layer of intrigue to his medical evaluations this week. Still, his 2024 stats-four interceptions and nine pass breakups-underscore his on-field prowess.
As McCoy and Hood prepare to showcase their talents at the Combine, the anticipation builds. Defensive backs, along with tight ends, will hit the field for drills on Friday, Feb. 27, from 3-8 p.m.
ET, with coverage available on NFL Network and NFL+. This week could be a defining moment for these players as they aim to solidify their draft positions.