Two Vols Projected as First-Round Picks in ESPN’s Latest Mock Draft

By Aidan Sidoti

A couple of Vol cornerbacks are projected to hear their name called on night one of the NFL Draft.

ESPN’s Field Yates has Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy going No. 21 to the Philadelphia Eagles and Colton Hood at No. 30 to the New England Patriots in his latest 2026 mock draft.

McCoy, who missed the 2025 season after tearing his ACL in January, remains a highly regarded prospect thanks to his breakout 2024 campaign.

The Oregon State transfer posted 44 tackles and nine pass breakups in his debut season at Tennessee, earning Second-Team All-American honors and powering a defense to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.

Hood, the redshirt sophomore transfer from Colorado made an immediate impact in what is likely his lone season on Rocky Top.

He totaled 50 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery for a touchdown, one interception returned for a touchdown, and eight pass breakups.

His coverage grade of 83.3 from Pro Football Focus ranked second in the SEC.