When it comes to NFL Draft season, buzz matters. And when that buzz is coming straight from the players who lined up across from you, it hits a little different. That’s exactly the case with Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood, who’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about defensive backs in this year’s draft class-and not just by scouts and analysts, but by the very receivers he’s been locking down.
After a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, Hood’s name is climbing up draft boards. But what’s really turning heads is how often his name comes up in conversations with opposing wideouts. According to NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler, Hood was the most frequently mentioned "toughest matchup" when he spoke with receivers at both the Shrine Bowl and the Senior Bowl.
That’s no small compliment.
“Colton Hood did a nice job down here,” Brugler said during a recent appearance on Crown Global Media. “He didn’t practice on the third day, but in the first two, he really showed out.
At every all-star event, corners are going to have their wins and losses-it’s just the nature of the position. But Hood more than held his own.
He showed why he belongs in the conversation as one of the top corners in this draft.”
What makes Hood stand out? Size, fluidity, and that ultra-competitive edge at the catch point.
He’s not just sticking with receivers-he’s fighting them for the ball, and more often than not, winning those battles. That combination of physical tools and mental toughness is exactly what NFL teams are looking for in a starting-caliber corner.
And while Hood’s stock is rising, he’s not the only Tennessee DB drawing attention.
Jermod McCoy, another Vols cornerback, is also on the radar for NFL teams-but his situation is a bit more complicated. McCoy missed the entire 2025 season after tearing his ACL last January, which means there’s no recent game film to evaluate. That puts extra weight on his performance at the NFL Combine, where medical evaluations and athletic testing will be critical.
“Jermod McCoy is obviously interesting because we don’t have any 2025 tape on him,” Brugler noted. “Those medicals at the combine will be everything. You’re at least encouraged that the injury happened a year ago-he should be fully healed and ready to go.”
If McCoy checks out medically and performs well in drills, don’t be surprised if his name starts climbing boards too. Before the injury, he was seen as a high-upside prospect with the kind of length and coverage instincts that NFL teams covet.
Both Hood and McCoy are widely projected as first-round picks, and with the draft set to kick off April 25 in Pittsburgh, the next few months will be crucial. For Hood, it’s about maintaining momentum and continuing to prove he’s more than just a one-week standout. For McCoy, it’s a chance to remind teams why he was on their radar in the first place.
One thing’s for sure-Tennessee’s secondary is making noise at the next level. And come draft night, don’t be surprised if two Vols hear their names called early.