Since Josh Heupel took over the Tennessee football program, he’s pumped in talent to the NFL. Just this past draft, the Vols had four selections in total, including James Pearce Jr. going in the first round. This year is on track to be a record draft for him, though.
Not one, not two, but three current Tennessee players are getting serious buzz about being first-round picks. The popular NFL Draft Files X account put together its updated mock draft to close out September, and it included all three being selected.
The first Vol off the board in it is cornerback Jermod McCoy. Despite not playing this year yet due to injury, he’s at No. 14 to the Los Angeles Rams. Next is another cornerback in Colton Hood. The first-year Vol and Auburn and Colorado transfer is at No. 25 to the Indianapolis Colts. Finally, breakout wide receiver Chris Brazzell is listed at No. 32 to the Buffalo Bills.
My 2026 NFL Mock Draft, September Edition pic.twitter.com/6rURZ2Uxev
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) September 30, 2025
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McCoy tore his ACL in the winter and hasn’t returned to the field since. Even if he doesn’t play a snap this year, his breakout 2024 season could be enough to keep him in the first round. Despite the draft stock remaining so high, McCoy is still pushing to return. He could see the field as soon as the Arkansas game after this bye week.
Hood was brought in to help supplement the cornerback position in the spring with McCoy sidelined. When Rickey Gibson III went down early in the opener, Hood’s role grew even bigger. He’s handled it in stride, becoming one of the most feared corners in the conference. He’s already housed a fumble recovery for a score against Syracuse and had a crucial pick-six at Mississippi State last week.
Brazzell has also shot up draft boards and is considered one of the top wide receivers in the class. Through five games, he’s notched 31 receptions for 531 yards and seven touchdowns. This included a monster three-touchdown day against Georgia.
