NFL dynasties are built on draft picks. Even as the Kansas City Chiefs look to return to the Super Bowl for the fourth year in a row, it's crucial that they find their stars of the future in the upcoming draft. They've had a few underwhelming picks in recent years, so they can't afford to whiff next offseason.
The primary focus is still the here and now, but the scouting department is already scouring college film to find its top prospects in next year's class.
Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood is making his case to be one of the Chiefs' first picks in 2026.
Colton Hood looking like ideal Chiefs' 2026 draft pick
Hood was never supposed to be a top draft prospect. In fact, the cornerback playing opposite him, Jermod McCoy, entered the season as a consensus first-round pick, while Hood was hardly on NFL radars. With his teammate sidelined by an injury, the young defensive back has stepped into the spotlight.
Through nine games, the redshirt sophomore has only allowed one touchdown. He's given up completions less than half of the time the ball is thrown in his direction. Hood is allowing an NFL passer rating of just 60.2, signifying just how much of a terror he's been for opposing quarterbacks. His PFF coverage grade of 80.1 is one of the best in the country among qualifying cornerbacks this season.
Hood is an athletic defensive back, showcasing excellent speed and agility. But his true strength is in his discipline and anticipation. He shows an impressive understanding of route concepts, consistently putting himself in the best position to make plays. He rarely bites on double-moves and almost never gives up big plays down the field. When the ball is thrown his way, the cornerback has the body control and physicality to break up passes.
The young defender is not without weaknesses. His lack of size and strength causes him to be overpowered by physical receivers at times. But, given time to grow in the NFL, he could become an all-around player.
The Chiefs have been able to develop elite cornerbacks for years. Charvarius Ward, L'Jarius Sneed, and Trent McDuffie have all exceeded their pre-draft expectations. But outside of McDuffie, the current roster is lacking consistency at the position. Jaylen Watson has been passable, but recent struggles from Nohl Williams and Chamarri Conner have raised concerns about the team's depth at cornerback. It may be time to replenish the position through the draft.