Full Breakdown
2026 NFL Draft: Tennessee Cornerbacks Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood
4/25/2026, 9:18:35 AM
Outcome
Both Tennessee cornerbacks went undrafted in the first round. The New York Giants selected Colton Hood at No. 37, while Jermod McCoy remained on the board as teams cited knee concerns.
Context
McCoy, a 2024 All-American, was a top-10 prospect before a torn ACL in January 2025 and a bone-plug repair raised red flags. Hood transferred from Auburn and Colorado, logged 50 tackles, eight pass break-ups, two defensive touchdowns in 2025, and posted a 4.41-second 40-yard dash at pro day.
Data
McCoy missed the 2025 season, ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash; his file notes a bone-plug repair. Hood logged 50 tackles, 4.5 TFL, an interception, eight pass break-ups, an 83.3 PFF coverage grade (second in the SEC) and a 4.44-second 40-yard dash.
Official Response
Giants executives said the pick addressed a “core position of need,” noting McCoy’s upside but choosing Hood for depth. The Chiefs traded up for Mansoor Delane at No. 6; the Dolphins took Chris Johnson at No. 27. Analysts noted teams were “cautious about the knee” on McCoy.
Criticism
Medical analysts flagged the bone-plug repair as a source of future surgery, questioning McCoy’s durability. Some scouts noted the lack of recent game film; others cited his sub-4.4 40-yard dash as proof of recovery. Reports differ: Schefter and ESPN stress knee concerns, while Pelissero emphasizes the bone-plug, calling the ACL “fine.” No team has released detailed medical data.
Quotes
- “He clearly is a first-round talent, but suffered a knee injury where he tore his ACL, underwent surgery and obviously there are some teams that have some concerns about that knee right now.” — Adam Schefter, NFL reporter
- “It’s not the ACL that he had reconstructed. The concern is about a bone plug that was used to repair a cartilage defect in his knee.” — Tom Pelissero, NFL Network reporter
- “McCoy ranked as my No. 10 overall prospect in the class based off film study, but questions surrounding the long-term health of his knee following an ACL injury in January 2025 caused him to slip.” — Matt Miller, ESPN analyst
- “It’s just been a dream, something you dream about as a little kid… I would have never – not never imagined, because I kind of had a feeling that this was always going to be my plight – but it’s just so surreal, just being in it right now, just being able to live out my dream.” — Colton Hood, Tennessee cornerback
Future
If drafted, McCoy could join a Giants secondary seeking depth or a Raiders roster needing cornerback talent. Hood, now a Giant, is expected to compete for immediate snaps opposite Paulson Adebo. The second round will test teams’ willingness to balance elite talent against medical risk, shaping the 2026 defensive backfield.
