The New York Giants selected cornerback Colton Hood with the 37th pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Hood is a versatile athlete with a strong football background and academic insight.
Key points
New York Giants selected Colton Hood at No. 37 overall
Hood is a cornerback from Tennessee
He is 21 years old
Hood has a multi-generational football background
He possesses rare athletic versatility and academic insight
New York GiantsTennessee
New York Giants select Colton Hood: 5 things to know about the CB
When the New York Giants chose Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood at No. 37 overall in the 2026 NFL draft, they added more than just needed secondary depth.
The 21-year-old defensive back brings a rich personal background that blends multi-generational football pedigree, rare athletic versatility, academic insight, and hands-on elite coaching.
These details reveal a prospect built for the demands of professional football and the intense spotlight awaiting him in the country’s media capital.
Dallas Cowboys (home, away)
Washington Commanders (home, away)
Philadelphia Eagles (home, away)
Q&A
Who is Colton Hood and what position does he play?
Colton Hood is a 21-year-old cornerback selected by the New York Giants in the 2026 NFL draft.
What pick did the New York Giants use to select Colton Hood?
The New York Giants selected Colton Hood with the 37th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
What are Colton Hood's notable attributes as a player?
Colton Hood brings a multi-generational football pedigree, athletic versatility, and academic insight to the field.
How does Colton Hood's background prepare him for the NFL?
Hood's rich personal background and elite coaching experience equip him to handle the demands of professional football.
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Football is the family business
Hood grew up immersed in the sport. His father competed at Auburn, while his uncle Roderick Hood carved out an eight-season NFL career as a cornerback, intercepting 15 passes during stints with the Eagles, Cardinals, Jets, and Buccaneers. Multiple brothers and cousins also played college football, creating a household environment rich in defensive techniques, pro expectations, and daily competitive drive.
High-school multi-sport Swiss Army knife
At Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy in McDonough, Georgia, Hood played cornerback, wide receiver, quarterback, and running back, racking up 1,112 yards of total offense and 13 touchdowns as a senior while returning kicks and punts for additional scores. He also starred in baseball as a center fielder with multiple all-state honors, lettered in basketball, and contributed to an all-state 4x100 relay squad in track and field, showcasing well-rounded athletic talent.
College football became a road trip of reinvention
After redshirting his first year at Auburn in 2023, Hood transferred to Colorado in 2024, playing for Deion Sanders alongside his brother Brandon. He then moved to Tennessee in 2025, where he earned second-team All-SEC recognition. Each program offered fresh schemes, coaching styles, and cultural lessons that broadened his football IQ.
Studying journalism and media in Knoxville
As the media capital of the world, New York features some of the toughest and most demanding reporters in sports. Hood’s academic focus has already given him a valuable perspective on storytelling, interview dynamics, and handling public scrutiny—tools that could help him navigate the intense press environment better than most rookies.
Family connections = Personal DB coach
Roderick Hood has worked hands-on with Colton since high school, refining the aggressive press-man techniques that define his game and fueling the fierce competitiveness that scouts consistently praise. This direct family mentorship continues to shape his preparation and on-field mentality.
