Where Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood Land in NFL Mock Draft After Tennessee Pro Day

Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood are expected to be selected in the first round, but where?

Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) before a college football game between Tennessee and UAB at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Sept. 20, 2025. | Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Tennessee Volunteers are expected to be well represented in the upcoming NFL Draft, as there are multiple players expected to be selected within the first two days of the draft. Multiple mock drafts have been releasing that have some Tennessee defensive backs being selected in the first round of the draft, and following pro day, nothing has changed.

In a recent mock draft by NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein, he has multiple Vols being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. Here is who he has being selected within the first round of the draft.

Jermod McCoy - Minnesota Vikings (Pick 18)

Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) warms up during a Tennessee football practice, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. | Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Jermod McCoy has all the talent in the world and will likely be the first Tennessee defensive back selected in the first round, as he was originally expected to be a top-5 pick until he tore his ACL in January of 2025.

McCoy recently ran a 4.37 40-yard dash, which is exceptional, and this was his first time competing since being cleared in front of NFL scouts. Despite this going well for the Tennessee cornerback, the reporter believes he will slip outside the top-15, but will still be selected within the first 20 picks.

The team he has selecting the standout player is the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings need almost every defensive back position, but their biggest need is safety. Even though Dillon Thieneman was on the board, the Tennessee prospect is too good to pass up at this pick.

Colton Hood - Dallas Cowboys (Pick 20)

Jan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; National cornerback Colton Hood (27) of Tennessee walks the field during National Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images | Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys get a steal with their second selection of the first round, as they draft Colton Hood. This makes sense, as this is arguably the biggest need on the Cowboys' draft board when it comes to a positional standpoint. This draft section comes after the Cowboys find a way to get Sonny Styles from Ohio State at pick 12.

Hood has only allowed one touchdown in his college career, and is by far one of the better players in the draft when it comes to his overall coverage skills. He is also versatile and can play in the slot if he is asked to, which is a position he was originally expected to play in Knoxville, but the injuries forced more playing time.

If Hood lives up to his expectations, he will be just fine in the NFL. He projects as a future starter in the league, and he could be just that in his first year with the Cowboys.