Round 2, Pick 33, Colton Hood, Cornerback, Tennessee
The Jets grab their Sauce Gardner replacement with the first pick of the second round. Underwhelming college production (just one interception in 2025) and a lack of elite traits could push Colton Hood out of the first round. There’s still a lot to like about the feisty cornerback, and New York’s ghastly defense needs all the help it can get.
While he doesn’t have prototypical measurables or athleticism, Hood more than makes up for any shortcomings with pure toughness. The former Volunteer plays bigger than his size (6’0”, 193, sub-32-inch arms) and does a great job closing windows when he can attack the catch point.
Hood is more comfortable in man coverage than zone, and his eyes can be unreliable when reading the quarterback and tracking the ball in the air. His play strength is exceptional, and he’s a willing and punishing run defender. With the additions of Hood and Caleb Downs, the Jets shore up two glaring holes on defense, but they still have to address their NFL-worst passing offense.
