It took a while, but the Vols finally had a name called in the 2026 NFL Draft, as Colton Hood is now a member of the New York Giants after being selected No. 37 overall. This is a great landing spot, as Hood fits exactly what the Giants want to do defensively. Their new defensive coordinator, Dennard Wilson, emphasized press coverage during his time with the Tennessee Titans, and he is expected to bring that same aggressive style to New York.
The good news for Colton Hood is that new New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh believes he can contribute right away. Harbaugh said Hood is “competing to start” and added, “The cornerback room was good. Now it’s really good.”
This is massive for Colton Hood, as he’ll have a chance to compete right away. Sometimes players drafted after the first round have to wait their turn, but it sounds like Hood could get an opportunity to start from day one in New York.
#Giants head coach John Harbaugh says he sees Colton Hood "competing to start."
— Ryan Dunleavy (@rydunleavy) April 24, 2026
"The cornerback room was good. Now it's really good."
Colton Hood can start from Day one in New York
The New York Giants have one solid cornerback in Greg Newsome II, who has had a strong start to his NFL career, but behind him, the depth chart is wide open, like Harbaugh alluded to. Colton Hood lands in a great situation with a strong coaching staff and a chance to play right away, while not having the pressure that typically comes with being a first-round pick.
Not to mention, before draft day, Giants fans wanted Hood. Joseph Anderson said, "The cornerback group needs to add some elite talent, and with one of the best corners in the draft still on the board, the Giants could find themselves in the perfect spot to land him. Hood excels as an aggressive press-man corner, exactly what new Giants defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson wants in his new system."
Hood will make Vols and Giants fans proud at the next level.