NFL Draft Scouting Report: Bucky Hodges

Jesus Martinez | Main Columnist

NFL Draft Reports (Tight Ends)

-Welcome to a new series where me and Chris Giraldo scout some of the best athletes in this years draft. As more and more information is given, we will update accordingly. Or maybe not. We are humans too. In this report we look at general information of a prospect, his off field history, strengths and weaknesses on the field, a summary and a draft projection. Without further ado, lets begin.

NFL SCOUTING REPORT: BUCKY HODGES, VIRGINIA TECH

TIGHT END (#45)

Analysis by Jesus Martinez: Main Columnist of OTS 247

Name: Bucky Hodges 40 yard dash: 4.57

School: Virginia Tech 20 yard/60 yard shuttle: 4.45 / 12.08

H&W: 6’7, 257 Bench Press: 18 reps

Year: RS Junior 3 cone drill: N/A

Age: 21        Vert/Broad Jump: 39’ / 11’2”

ON FIELD

STRENGTHS

WEAKNESSES

-Treated like another receiver (can play on the ends, DC’s put corners on him in man on man coverage) -Great Athleticism and speed for his size -Extended catch radiuses -Too big for corners, too fast for linebackers -Multiple dimensional player (got some attempts at RB, played in the slot and as an outside receiver) -Needs to be double covered in goal line fade route situations -Game is Calvin Johnson esque (but still has ways to go)

-Cannot set up in a 3 point stance (Which is huge for tight ends, who need to be in a 3 point stance to block in certain plays/formations.) -Cannot block consistently, can’t block on the inside run which is why he is spaced out -Can’t break when corner jams him midway through route ^ Doesn’t attempt to adjust -Lacks physicality and power to block at TE

OFF FIELD

• Arrested for public intoxication in 2015
• Off field rating is acceptable, teams should take an extra check up when interviewing him.

GRADES

Hands	Route Running	Athleticism	Blocking	Technique	Effort
8	8	9	5	4	9

Overall: 7.16

OVERVIEW:

At 6’7, Bucky Hodges isn’t your everyday Tight End, as his body is tailored to play Wide Receiver with the frame he possesses. Yet, in the three years he stayed at Virginia Tech, not only did Hodges play Tight End, but thrived at the spot, racking up over 1500 receiving yards. Hodges is a lethal weapon in the passing game, as he has a great ability to box out smaller defenders and catch the ball. He is a great option to throw to in a one on one situation, as most of the time he can use his height and vertical to catch jump balls. With a 6’7 height and a 39’ inch vertical, not only will this man have the ability to a red zone threat, but can be a threat anywhere on the field, His frame and athleticism give him one of the best extended catch radiuses out of all the Tight End prospects. Do not be fooled though, this man is not a tight end. He doesn’t have the ability to play effectively at the Tight End spot in the NFL, as his game there has multiple flaws.

DRAFT PROJECTION: LATE 3RD ROUND