The New York Giants selected cornerback Colton Hood in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft.
Hood was nothing short of a superstar throughout his collegiate career. The cornerback spent three seasons playing for Auburn, Colorado and Tennessee, earning All-SEC honors for his efforts with the Volunteers in 2025.
Hood continued to exceed expectations during the Giants’ spring practices, and secondary coach Donald D’Alesio believes the cornerback could play his way into a starting role this summer.
“I do,” he said. “What he put on tape in college — and since he’s gotten here — he has that makeup in him. The beautiful thing about Hood is his mind is wired the right way, too. He knows what it’s going to take.
“He’s strong. He’s got to learn how to play strong. I think it’s the strength of the wideouts that he’s going against. We have some veteran guys that are more savvy and know the tricks of the trade. So as he gets reps and gets more comfortable, I think that’s going to come with it for him. But he’s starting to pick it up. He’s a fast learner.”
Hood recorded 77 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions over his three collegiate seasons. Widely regarded as a steal in the second round, he will enter his first NFL season with a significant chip on his shoulder.
The former Tennessee star has proven on numerous occasions that he shines in critical moments. Hood is emerging as a serious contender for the Giants’ cornerback-two role and could play a major part in New York’s secondary moving forward.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Colton Hood exceeded expectations during New York Giants’ spring practices
Reporting by Jake Boico, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jake Boico, Giants Wire | USA TODAY Network
