Colton Hood 2026 NFL Draft: scouting report for Tennessee, Cornerback

Everything you need to know about Tennessee CB Colton Hoods’ game, from pros and cons to a pro player comparison ahead of the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft

JT Ruhnke
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Aug 30, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Colton Hood (8) breaks up a pass intended for Syracuse Orange wide receiver Darrell Gill Jr. (15) in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Height: 6-0
Weight: 195
Year: RS Sophomore
Pro Comparison: Kristian Fulton

2026 NFL Combine Results

Colton Hood, Tennessee, Cornerback

  • Hand Size: N/A
  • Arm Length: N/A
  • 40-Yard Dash: N/A
  • Vertical Leap: N/A
  • Broad Jump: N/A
  • 20-Yard Shuttle: N/A
  • 3-Cone: N/A

Pros of Colton Hood

  • Good size and great length for a starting caliber outside corner. Long arms that will translate well to the NFL level against bigger bodied wideouts. Hood’s bread and butter is defending in man coverage, with above adequate speed and fluidity to keep up with the best of receivers.
  • Impressive diagnostic ability at the line of scrimmage. Not easily deceived or faked-out by receivers at the start of routes. Aggressive from the snap and has the play strength to jam well in press-man.
  • Instinctive player with good downhill speed. Finds his way to the ball even when not involved on the play.

Cons of Colton Hood

  • Hood’s aggression and playstyle in press-man has the potential to draw penalties in the NFL. He had a career high four penalties in 2025 with the volunteers.
  • Play at the line of scrimmage vs. downfield is night and day. Hood struggles to track the ball and receivers movements past the sticks.
  • Struggles to tackle with good technique consistently. Hood is credited with four missed tackles on the season, but was involved with more. Still quite raw, becoming a full time starter for the first time in 2025 with Tennessee.

Background

A three star recruit and the nephew of former NFL cornerback Roderick Hood, Colton Hood has the potential to become one of the biggest risers in the 2026 draft. Hood started his collegiate career at Auburn, like his uncle, but then transferred to Colorado to join Deion Sanders’ stacked secondary room in 2024. Hood started in just one game with the Buffaloes, but recorded two interceptions and five pass breakups while learning from Sanders and his staff. Hood would then transfer to Tennessee and become a full-time starter opposite Jermod McCoy in 2025 (although McCoy missed the year recovering from injury).

Player Evaluation

Hood has the length and size to become an every week starter in the NFL. His speed and fluidity, paired with his aggressive playstyle at the line of scrimmage make him a versatile prospect in man coverage. That same coverage, however, can get him penalized frequently as a rookie and will need time to become a more consistent defender. A one year starter, Hood will need a patient situation to maximize his talents and become a playmaker on Sundays.

A to Z Rankings

A to Z Big Board Ranking: 38

A to Z Draft Grade: 8.05

Draft projection: Early day two

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