Tennessee’s recent run of NFL Draft success under Josh Heupel is showing no signs of slowing down. With the 2026 draft on the horizon, three former Vols are already turning heads - and not just among SEC fans. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah’s first mock draft of the season features two Tennessee defensive backs, Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood, as top-12 picks, while wide receiver Chris Brazzell II also cracked Jeremiah’s top-50 prospect rankings.
Here’s the breakdown: McCoy sits at No. 14, Hood at No. 16, and Brazzell at No.
- All three earned All-SEC honors during their time in Knoxville - and interestingly, all three arrived via the transfer portal.
Let’s start with McCoy, who transferred in from Oregon State in 2024 and made an immediate impact. As a sophomore, he was one of the SEC’s premier lockdown corners, piling up nine pass breakups and four interceptions in a standout season.
His ability to disrupt passing lanes and blanket receivers made him a key piece of Tennessee’s defense. Unfortunately, a knee injury during offseason training last January sidelined him for the entire 2025 season.
But that lost year hasn’t shaken his draft stock - and for good reason.
Jeremiah’s scouting report paints the picture of a polished, pro-ready corner. McCoy thrives in press coverage, using a strong initial jam and smooth footwork to stay glued to receivers.
He’s got the savvy to bait quarterbacks in zone, and the athleticism to make them pay. His ball skills are top-tier - he elevates with ease and tracks the ball like a wideout.
The one knock? He’s not a tone-setter in the run game.
While he’s a solid tackler in space, he doesn’t bring a ton of physicality in run support. Still, McCoy’s 2024 tape speaks volumes.
Outside of a tough playoff matchup against Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith - who beat him for a touchdown and drew a penalty - McCoy was consistently dominant. He’s got the tools to step in and contribute from Day 1 in the NFL.
Then there’s Hood, who transferred in from Colorado after starting his career at Auburn. Tennessee brought him in to help fill the void left by McCoy, and he delivered in a big way.
Hood racked up 50 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, and two defensive touchdowns - one on a pick-six, another on a fumble return. His play as a redshirt sophomore didn’t just earn him All-SEC honors - it vaulted him into first-round consideration.
Jeremiah describes Hood as a complete player with excellent play speed and toughness. He’s patient at the line in press coverage, uses his hands well to redirect receivers, and has the hips and footwork to mirror routes underneath.
He’s got the speed to carry verticals and the instincts to break on passes from off coverage. Downfield, he’s usually in position - though he can get a bit grabby when the ball’s in the air.
Against the run, he’s more than willing to mix it up, fighting through blocks and finishing tackles in space. In short, Hood checks a lot of boxes.
He’s the kind of corner who could make an immediate impact in a starting role next fall.
On the offensive side, Brazzell’s story is one of redemption and breakout potential. The Tulane transfer had a quiet 2024 season but exploded in 2025, becoming the centerpiece of Tennessee’s high-octane passing attack. As a redshirt junior, he hauled in 62 catches for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns - leading the SEC in receiving and standing as the only 1,000-yard receiver in the conference during the regular season.
Physically, Brazzell is a tall, rangy target with long strides and smooth acceleration. He lined up wide in Tennessee’s spread system and thrived on vertical routes - go’s, slants, and posts.
He’s not the twitchiest or most elusive receiver, but he tracks the deep ball well and uses his frame to win in contested situations. He’s not as effective when asked to stop and work back to the quarterback, and he doesn’t offer much after the catch in terms of wiggle.
But what he does bring to the table is clear: he’s a big-play threat who can stretch the field and create mismatches in the red zone. That kind of skill set will always have a place in the NFL.
If Brazzell hears his name called in April, he’ll become the fifth Tennessee wideout drafted under Heupel, following Velus Jones Jr. (2022), Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman (2023), and Dont’e Thornton Jr.
(2025). That’s not just a trend - it’s a pipeline.
With the 2026 NFL Draft set for April 23-26 in Pittsburgh, Tennessee fans have plenty to look forward to. McCoy, Hood, and Brazzell have all taken different paths to Rocky Top, but they’re now united by a shared destination: the NFL. And based on early evaluations, they won’t be waiting long to hear their names called.