TribLive is highlighting the top prospects leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. The three-day event is April 23-25.

Colton Hood

Position: Cornerback

Height/weight: 5-foot-11⅝/193 pounds

College: Tennessee

Hood entered the draft as only a one-year starter, in part because he transferred twice in three years.

The 21-year-old spent a redshirt year at Auburn and played one season as a backup at Colorado before finding his stride at Tennessee. In 12 starts, Hood had 50 tackles, 4½ tackles for loss, eight pass breakups and an interception he returned for a touchdown for the Vols.

He is one of two Tennessee cornerbacks projected as potential first-round draft picks this year. Jermod McCoy is the other.

Draft analyst Lance Zierlein described Hood as a “press-man bully” in his NFL.com bio. Hood allowed one touchdown on 451 pass-coverage snaps last season, according to Pro Football Focus.

“Hood plays with a disruptive punch and gets his hands on most releases,” said Zierlein, with the added caveat that “shifty NFL wideouts could create issues for him.”

Hood is also a strong tackler, who Zierlein said plays with the physicality of a box safety. He made 24 tackles and two interceptions in 13 games (one start) with Colorado in 2024.

At the NFL Combine, Hood ran the 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds, posted a 40½-inch vertical jump and leaped 10 feet, 5 inches in the broad jump.

Key stat

6.6% — Hood’s missed tackles rate, which ranked third-best last season among FBS cornerbacks with at least 50 tackles. He missed four.

Did you know?

His uncle Roderick Hood played eight NFL seasons at defensive back for the Eagles, Cardinals, Titans and Rams. He returned three of his 15 career interceptions for touchdowns.

On draft

Here is a look at where the top NFL Draft analysts rank Hood among players at his position and prospects overall:

Draft expert — CB/Overall

Mel Kiper Jr. — fifth/NA

Daniel Jeremiah — third/25th

Todd McShay — third/23rd

Field Yates — fourth/35th

Quotable

“I honestly think I’m the best corner in the draft and I haven’t even played my best football yet.”

— Hood to reporters at the NFL Combine