National outlet has four Tennessee Vols projected as first round picks in its latest 2026 NFL mock draft
A handful of Tennessee players have made quite the impression with one NFL Draft analyst.
The Tennessee Volunteers have had more and more players hear their names called in the NFL Draft during Josh Heupel’s tenure, which is a natural byproduct of the Vols heading back in the direction of being a perennial national contender.
The 2026 NFL Draft could be another instance of that taking place, at least if one national outlet is to be believed. Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus put out his latest 2026 mock draft this week, and four Volunteers were taken in the first round.
Four Tennessee Vols listed in first round of latest 2026 PFF mock draft
Despite being the lesser side of the ball as far as productivity, three of the players come from the defense in Colton Hood, Jermod McCoy, and Joshua Josephs. Hood is projected first of all Tennessee players to the Washington Commanders with the 17th overall pick. McCoy is pegged at 25 to the San Francisco 49ers. Josephs is last of the group, going to the Philadelphia Eagles at pick #27. WR Chris Brazzell II was also included, going at 24 to the Seattle Seahawks.
Yes, it’s super early. This draft order will look starkly different in months ahead. But it speaks to the fact that a number of players are having strong individual seasons. Brazzell has been outstanding, looking like a true Biletnikoff Award contender for much of the year. Hood has been a revelation for the Vols’ defense out of the transfer portal from Colorado, posting a team-high 78.7 PFF coverage grade and allowing just 40.7% completion rate on 27 targets in coverage. Josephs has a 17.8% pressure rate and leads all Vols defenders with an 85.2 overall defensive grade.
Hood, Brazzell, and Josephs will have plenty of opportunity to turn more heads among the NFL scouting community on Saturday night, when the Vols take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa. Unfortunately, McCoy is still not physically ready to make his season debut this weekend.
Tennessee Volunteers News
Two opposing impressive stats between Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar and the Alabama defense will be put to the test on Saturday
The Vols’ starting QB has been an unstoppable force, while the Bama defense has been an immovable object along the same statistical path. One must give on Saturday.
