The Virginia Tech offense is going to surprise some people come the draft. Four of their former players may be selected on draft night, and all are considered wildcards. There is a raw quarterback in Jerod Evans, a talented wide receiver in Isaiah Ford, a fullback in Sam Rogers, and a receiving tight end in Bucky Hodges. Hodges is especially interesting due to his size and highlight reel catches. He is the definition of a boom or bust player. Here's why:
Measurables:
Height- 6'7''
Weight- 245 lbs
Year:
Junior (21)
2016 stat line:
48 receptions, 691 yards, 7 TDs, 9 rushes, 42 rushing yards,
Pros: Bucky Hodges is a total mismatch with both his athleticism and size. He is too fast for a linebacker, too strong for a defensive back, and too tall for any defender. When going up for 50-50 balls, he is almost guaranteed to either come down with the ball or draw a pass interference penalty. Hodges can be used all over the field as a receiver. He can stretch the field running down the seam, can win catches over the middle, and be used all over the red zone.
Cons: Hodges really struggles as a blocker. He lacks strength and blocks like a small wide receiver instead of another offensive lineman. He does give effort though, which is half of the battle. Hodges also has some questionable drops on his film when the catch is tough but not impossible. He needs to be a more reliable safety blanket for a quarterback. Hodges also needs to be a better route runner. His routes are not sudden and crisp, but rather looping and unable to gain good separation.
Pro Comparison: Julius Thomas, TE, Miami Dolphins
Julius Thomas is a fantastic athlete who can line up all over the field as a receiver. He comes down with some ridiculous catches and is a great weapon if a coach knows how to use him. Unfortunately, Thomas struggles as a blocker and suffers from some drops. If Hodges translate his receiving skills and learn to block, Hodges could be the game changing tight end we though Julius Thomas could be.
3 teams that could use him: The Cowboys could select Hodges to provide a weapon for Dak Prescott while learning how to block from Jason Witten. The Raiders have Clive Warford at tight end, but he lacks the potential that Hodges has. The Raiders could use him in the slot with Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree on the outside. Zach Miller is still a very good pass catching tight end, but injuries have plagued him. Bucky Hodges could be the long term replacement for him and a new weapon for whoever is the quarterback.
Conclusion: Bucky Hodges is a total mismatch as a receiver but needs to learn how to block. Some team will view him as a high-upside pick in rounds 2-3.
All stats from www.sports-reference.com
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