Despite struggles on the field this season, Tennessee football has a trio of defenders who will be selected early in this spring’s NFL Draft. With the NFL trade deadline in the rearview, Pro Football Focus released a new first round mock draft with three Tennessee players present.
PFF’s mock draft projects the Dallas Cowboys to select cornerback Jermod McCoy with the 14th pick in the draft, the San Fransisco 49ers to select edge rusher Josh Josephs with the 23rd pick in the draft and for the Buffalo Bills to select Colton Hood with the 25th pick in the draft.
Part of the reason for Tennessee’s defensive inconsistencies this season is that McCoy has yet to play a game this season after tearing his ACL back in January. McCoy was an All-SEC cornerback a season ago, totaling 44 tackles, four interceptions and seven pass breakups.
It’s unclear whether McCoy will return to the field this season. Head coach Josh Heupel did not rule out the possibility earlier this week but the more time he misses, the more doubtful a return to the field in.
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Josephs has been a multi-year contributor for Tennessee and has been particularly productive during the 2024 and ’25 seasons. The senior defensive end ranks second on Tennessee’s team with four sacks this season along with 30 tackles, three forced fumbles and two pass breakups.
Over the past two seasons, Josephs has been one of the best defensive ends in the SEC against the run. His strides as a pass rusher this season has made him a potential first round pick.
Hood transferred from Colorado to Tennessee this past spring after McCoy suffered the knee injury. The redshirt sophomore slid into the starting spot McCoy’s absence left and has excelled, totaling 38 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble and seven pass breakups.
The transfer cornerback has scored two touchdowns this season, first on a scoop-and-score against Syracuse and then on a pick six against Mississippi State. Opponents have targeted Hood 37 times, completing 17 passes for 196 yards and one touchdown this season.
While all three project has first round picks, Tennessee receiver Chris Brazzell, defensive end Tyre West and offensive tackle Lance Heard could also be selected in the NFL Draft this coming spring.
