Pros, cons of New York Giants picking Tennessee's Colton Hood in 2026 NFL Draft

TL;DR

The New York Giants selected cornerback Colton Hood from Tennessee with the 37th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Hood has shown significant improvement throughout his college career across three programs.

Key points

Colton Hood was selected No. 37 by the New York Giants.
He played three college seasons at different programs.
Hood improved his stock at each program.
He developed under Deion Sanders at Colorado.
Hood became an elite cornerback at Tennessee.

Mentioned in this story

Deion Sanders

Colton HoodNew York GiantsTennessee VolunteersAuburn Tigers

Pros, cons of New York Giants picking Tennessee's Colton Hood in 2026 NFL Draft

Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood was selected No. 37 by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 24.

Hood played three college seasons at three different programs, improving his stock at each stop. He started his career at Auburn. He developed under Deion Sanders as Travis Hunter’s backup at Colorado. And he turned into an elite cornerback at Tennessee.

Here’s what Hood brings to the Giants based on his career with the Tennessee Vols.

What Colton Hood brings to New York Giants in 2026 NFL Draft

Hood showed promise at Colorado as the understudy of Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 draft.

Then Hood transferred to Tennessee, where he filled the shoes of Jermod McCoy, who missed the 2025 season due to a knee injury. Hood made an immediate impact as a play-making cornerback who forced turnovers.

NFL scouts like Hood’s physical style of play and his coverage skills. He is a 6-foot, 193-pounder who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds at Tennessee’s pro day.

The only question is whether he’s elite at the pro level or a dependable complementary cornerback. Time will tell.

Colton Hood highlights, strengths, weaknesses at Tennessee

Hood likes the physicality of the game, which should serve him well in the NFL.

He doesn’t shy away from contact. He excels in press-man coverage. He plays a physical style against the run. And he’s dedicated himself to becoming a more fundamental tackler.

Hood has a nose for the football, demonstrated by his two defensive TDs in 2025.

Q&A

What are the strengths of Colton Hood as a cornerback for the Giants?

Colton Hood brings elite cornerback skills developed during his time at Tennessee, showcasing his ability to improve and adapt throughout his college career.

How did Colton Hood's college career influence his draft position?

Hood's performance at Auburn, Colorado, and Tennessee helped him rise in stock, ultimately leading to his selection as the 37th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

What challenges might Colton Hood face in the NFL?

Transitioning from college to the NFL can be challenging, especially for a player like Hood who has played at multiple programs, as he must adapt to the speed and complexity of professional football.