Colton Hood isn’t backing down.
The New York Giants’ highly-touted second-round rookie cornerback was meant to ease into his NFL career playing behind veteran starters, but injuries within the first week of the season thrust him into a much-earlier-than-planned role.
“He’s been baptized by fire,” said defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.
Few introductions to the NFL are as challenging as covering star receivers like Davante Adams in your debut start, and Hood also gave up a touchdown to Wan’Dale Robinson in the previous game.
Still, those growing pains haven’t diminished Hood’s coachability, passion, or work ethic in the eyes of the organization. In fact, facing adversity so early has revealed more about his character than a gentler introduction ever could.
“I’m quite sure Colton Hood is going to be a really great player for us,” said head coach John Harbaugh. “I’d wager he plays better in the next game than he did in the last one. I’m not down on him at all—I’m actually pretty excited for him.”
According to NextGenStats, Hood has allowed 11 receptions on 15 targets for 106 yards and two touchdowns across three games, with opposing quarterbacks posting a 132.2 passer rating when targeting him.
“I’m encouraged by watching the film—none of it is ‘this guy is just better than me and beat me,'” Hood told The Post. “It’s more about seeing things for the first time and processing them post-snap. I’m at a different level, learning how to adjust. The routes here are different, you have to adjust to the depth. And the coverages—you have to understand not just your job but everyone else’s job so you can play tighter.”
Originally projected to develop behind starters Greg Newsome II and Deonte Banks, along with top backup Paulson Adebo, Hood’s timeline changed dramatically when Banks and Adebo both went down with injuries, accelerating his promotion to meaningful snaps.
“What I’ve noticed from his first game to the last game, those same mistakes didn’t happen,” Wilson observed. “The best teacher in life isn’t being successful early on. He’ll continue to grow. If young guys can play early, it builds more depth down the stretch. He’ll take his licks early, but he’ll learn from them. So, I’m good with where he’s at.”
The Giants have not shown interest in the Joey Porter Jr. trade discussions, though sources suggest that this week’s acquisition of quarterback J.J. McCarthy may not represent their only significant move. The cornerback market below Porter—who was traded from Pittsburgh to Dallas—remains an area to monitor.
“I probably don’t grade it the same way you do, but I thought he’s improved each week,” Harbaugh added. “That’s really the defining factor. It’s a big stage, it’s a tough position. I think he’s done pretty well.”
Hood appreciates the vote of confidence from his coaches.
“I just need to go out there and do what I do,” Hood said. “My confidence is still at its peak. I’m learning as I go. It’s always important to seize every opportunity you get—no matter when it comes or how it arrives.”