The Tennessee Volunteers landed two defensive backs in the top 12 of Daniel Jeremiah’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft 1.0, according to NFL.com.
Jermod McCoy draws the No. 10 overall projection to the Cincinnati Bengals despite missing the entire 2025 season with an injury.
“McCoy missed the 2025 season due to injury, but his 2024 tape was outstanding,” Jeremiah wrote.
The NFL analyst added that McCoy is “squarely in the mix to be the top CB in the draft.”
Colton Hood follows two picks later at No. 12 to the Dallas Cowboys. Jeremiah called Hood a “plug and play starter” who could step in immediately.
The mock draft author noted Dallas could target an edge rusher in the first round but said he’d like to see the Cowboys “upgrade the secondary, too.”
Tennessee’s double representation in the top 12 reflects different strengths from each cornerback.
McCoy gets praised for his ceiling and elite tape from 2024. Hood earns recognition for his polish and NFL readiness.
The Volunteers have two more prospects in Day 2 discussions who could potentially push into the first round.
Wide receiver Chris Brazzell is currently projected as a second round pick and has built momentum with his size and ball skills.
Edge rusher Joshua Josephs carries a similar Day 2 projection. NFL teams like his burst and physicality coming off the edge.
That gives Tennessee four realistic early round draft candidates.
The representation reflects both the program’s top-end talent and overall depth. Tennessee has established itself as one of the most represented teams in early draft conversations.
The evaluation process is just beginning, but the Volunteers have already made their mark on 2026 draft projections.
