Tennessee football has been an NFL machine during the Josh Heupel era. Since Josh Heupel arrived in Knoxville, Tennessee has produced 22 NFL Draft picks, including two first-rounders and two second-rounders. With some elite talent heading to the draft this April, the Vols will be looking to add even more names to that list.
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. released his latest mock draft today and two Tennessee Vols were featured.
Cornerback Jermod McCoy was taken 13th overall by the LA Rams (Via Atlanta). Kiper said, "Ok, let's get McCoy off the board for real now. He's a tough evaluation, as he didn't play a snap of football in the 2025 season after tearing an ACL last January. Teams are going to have to take that into consideration, and his medical checks at the combine will be key." He also added, "McCoy is a ball hawk, and he's still a top-15 prospect for me. He had four interceptions and nine pass breakups back in 2024."
Next, wide receiver Chris Brazzell II was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 26th overall in the mock draft. Kiper said, "Picking in this range makes it difficult to find impact wideouts, and Brazzell would be the sixth off the board (marking the 10th time this century that six or more wide receivers have gone in Round 1). But he also has the skill set to be a standout in the pros. His 6-foot-5 frame, long arms, sure hands, and great concentration make him a big-time target in the end zone and on contested balls. I also see the explosiveness to get out of his breaks and separate. Brazzell tallied 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns this past season."
Two Vols selected but no Colton Hood in Mel Kiper's mock draft
This is no surprise that Kiper has McCoy drafted so high. He is arguably the best cornerback in the class. The only major red flag is the ACL tear last January, which he's expected to fully recover from.
Brazzell going to Buffalo would be a perfect destination. Buffalo needs playmakers, and he'd have the best quarterback in the NFL throwing him the ball. Brazell is a big, athletic wideout, which can be hard to find that rare combination of speed and size.
The only notable omission? Surprisingly, Tennessee's Colton Hood didn't make the mock draft. Hood is considered one of the best man coverage cornerbacks in the draft and would fit with multiple teams that are drafting near the end of the 1st round. Hood will need to have a good performance at the combine to show that he's worth a top pick.