The New York Giants selected cornerback Colton Hood from Tennessee with the 37th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. This was the team's lone selection on day two of the draft (pending a trade), as they had traded away its third-round pick last year to move up and select quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Hood is expected to make an immediate impact by adding depth to the secondary, and many analysts believe he could step in as a starter for Big Blue right away. After passing on safety Caleb Downs twice in the first round, the Giants added another talented defensive player to their roster—their second in this draft.
Hood was widely projected as a potential first-round selection, and the Giants were pleased to see him fall into the second round.
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Hood will join Dru Phillips, as well as recent free-agent additions Paulson Adebo and Greg Newsome II, in the secondary.
The #Giants likely found three Week 1 starters with their first three selections in this draft- Arvell Reese (ILB)- Francis Mauigoa (RG)- Colton Hood (CB)
All those trips to Colorado last year when we thought the pick was Shedeur Sanders?Instead it was for Colton Hood a year later after he transferred.Sucks McDonald wasn’t there anymore. DT is an issue. But Corner was equally an issue.
New #Giants CB Colton Hood was among the draft's risers. Some felt he had a chance to go in the first round, with the injuries tied to Jermod McCoy. Physical, press-man corner. Good addition for #NYG.
My write up on Giants CB Colton HoodYoung & talented with lack of expereince pic.twitter.com/g6niQ1vouR
Giants land Tennessee CB Colton Hood—great value there.
Giants CB situation:Paulson AdeboGreg Newsome IIAndru Phillips (slot)Colton Hood*Deonte Banks
Every single team I’ve talked to today said Colton Hood was a plug-and-play guy from Day One. That’s a big time pickup for the #Giants. https://t.co/td6SiMfpes
The #Giants will select Tennessee CB Colton Hood at No. 37.A reliable man-to-man corner, Hood can handle one-on-one matchups and isn’t afraid to step up and tackle. Great value here. https://t.co/F2c9ZN3The pic.twitter.com/PQFL9LkKbI
I like Colton Hood but not at 37. Especially when you allow yourself to be jumped for a great DT in Kayden McDonald at a position of dire need for the #Giants
— All Things New York Giants (@AllThingsNYG) April 24, 2026
I liked Colton Hood more than Chris Johnson who went in the first. Thrilled.
Damn giants got Colton hood. Imagine they got Caleb Downs instead of another edge rusher, their defense would’ve been crazy
Pretty shocked Colton Hood even made it to pick 37. I thought he was a round 1 lock. Either way, the Giants got a very talented CB who can start day 1. Great pick. https://t.co/yIojdOnK4t
Some felt Colton Hood could have gone in round 1. He has a chance to be a Week 1 starter depending on how he looks this summer.
Interesting pick for #BigBlue - I wonder if they would’ve drafted DT McDonald if the Texans hadn’t leapfrogged them to pick him. I also thought they’d go WR, but CB was a need & Colton Hood is a nice add.