Where Tennessee’s Top 3 NFL Draft Prospects Stand on Big Boards
As the NFL Draft inches closer, the spotlight is shining brightly on Knoxville. Josh Heupel’s program has churned out its share of NFL-ready talent in recent years, and 2026 is shaping up to be no different. With three Vols prospects making waves on national big boards, let’s break down where each stands - and what could impact their final draft-day destination.
Chris Brazzell II, WR
Big Board Rankings:
- ESPN: 47th overall, 8th WR
- CBS Sports: 38th overall, 7th WR
- Pro Football Focus: 75th overall, 11th WR
Chris Brazzell II is one of the more intriguing wideouts in this year’s class - and the draft boards reflect that. There’s a wide range of opinions on where he fits, from late first-round potential to a more conservative third-round projection. What’s clear is that Brazzell’s physical tools are hard to ignore.
At 6-foot-5, he brings elite size to the position - the kind of frame that gives defensive coordinators headaches and quarterbacks a reliable target in contested situations. His catch radius is massive, and he knows how to use it. Downfield, he’s a mismatch waiting to happen, especially in one-on-one coverage.
But the key for Brazzell? The NFL Combine.
A fast 40-yard dash could be the difference between Day 1 and Day 2. Scouts know he can win jump balls and make tough grabs in traffic.
Now they want to see if he has the speed to separate at the next level. If he checks that box, expect his stock to rise - fast.
Colton Hood, CB
Big Board Rankings:
- ESPN: 35th overall, 6th CB
- CBS Sports: 56th overall, 8th CB
- Pro Football Focus: 47th overall, 6th CB
Colton Hood is quietly becoming one of the more consistent risers among cornerbacks in this class. While there’s some variance in how analysts rank him, he’s firmly in the Day 1/early Day 2 conversation - and for good reason.
Hood thrives in man coverage, showing the kind of sticky technique and footwork that translates well to the NFL. He’s also got a knack for making plays on the ball, finishing his 2025 campaign with eight passes defended - a stat that doesn’t just show up on paper, but on film, where his instincts and timing jump off the screen.
He made a strong impression during Senior Bowl week, holding his own against some of the top receivers in the country. If he builds on that momentum at the Combine, there’s a real shot he hears his name called late in the first round.
Jermod McCoy, CB
Big Board Rankings:
- ESPN: 20th overall, 2nd CB
- CBS Sports: 9th overall, 1st CB
- Pro Football Focus: 11th overall, 1st CB
If there’s one Vol who’s locked into the first round, it’s Jermod McCoy. Despite missing the entire 2025 season with a torn ACL, McCoy’s stock hasn’t just held - it’s climbed. That’s a testament to how dominant he was in 2024 and how confident teams are in his recovery.
McCoy’s tape from two seasons ago still holds up as some of the best cornerback film in the class. He recorded four interceptions and seven passes defended, showing elite ball skills and the kind of closing speed that makes quarterbacks think twice. His ability to mirror receivers and win at the catch point is exactly what NFL teams crave in a CB1.
The medical checks at the Combine will be crucial, but all signs point to McCoy being fully cleared. If that’s the case, he could easily be the first corner off the board - and a potential top-10 pick.
The Bottom Line
Tennessee’s top trio of prospects - Brazzell, Hood, and McCoy - are all trending toward early selections in April’s draft. McCoy looks like a lock for Round 1, Hood is knocking on the door, and Brazzell has the tools to vault up boards with a strong Combine showing.
Josh Heupel has built a program that develops NFL-caliber talent, and this year’s class is proof of that. Come draft weekend, expect to hear the Vols well-represented - and possibly earlier than ever.