The New York Giants left the 2026 NFL Draft with cornerback Colton Hood, who could prove to be a massive steal. However, they reportedly weren't the only ones who had their sights set on the Tennessee standout.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler revealed that the Bears "eyed a trade-up in the second round" before ultimately sticking and picking Iowa center Logan Jones. Chicago was "high on" Hood, whom the Giants chose with this year's 37th overall pick. And so, New York helped itself in more ways than one, landing "[their] guy" at the expense of an NFC rival.
There's already a lot to like about Hood. Nevertheless, in hindsight, the fact that he was coveted by another team, especially one with playoff expectations, is welcoming news.
Giants might've quietly denied NFC rival Bears the chance to draft CB Colton Hood
By the sound of it, the Giants were very fortunate Hood fell to them when he did. The Bears might've taken Hood on Day 1 if their eventual selection, defensive back Dillon Thieneman, wasn't available, as many anticipated, per Fowler.
"Chicago figured its No. 25 pick, Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, would be gone in the top 20, so perhaps Hood would've been a viable fallback option there if Thieneman was off the board," Fowler wrote.
There's no telling who the Bears grab in the scenario Thieneman wasn't there when they were on the clock. It seems their interest in Hood was genuine, though, and he was very much in the running as a Plan B. Luckily, for the Giants, that is, the chips fell as they did.
Hood fills a massive need in New York and has the makings of an early starter. He may already be the club's best cover corner following Cor'Dale Flott's offseason departure to the Tennessee Titans. The Giants are ostensibly hoping the former steps in as a seamless replacement to the latter on the boundary opposite 2025 free-agent flop Paulson Adebo.
As a redshirt sophomore at Tennessee, Hood earned 2025 Third Team All-SEC honors. He recorded 50 tackles (4.5 for loss), eight pass deflections, one forced fumble, which he recovered for a touchdown. His lone interception was also returned for a score, showcasing a nose for the football and knack for making plays.
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