7. Bucky Hodges, tight end, Virginia Tech
https://twitter.com/JoshNorris/status/844674873356095489
There are some darn good tight ends in this draft class. There are a couple first-rounders, in fact. Both O.J. Howard out of Alabama and David Njoku out of Miami will be off the board rather quickly.
But in terms of raw potential and a guy who could end up becoming a long-term starter and star, Hodges should be getting more recognition.
Hodges has played just three years at the tight end position after starting out as a quarterback. Yet he still managed to make an immediate impact as a redshirt freshman and was a steady producer for his three campaigns with the Hokies. During those seasons, he caught 133 passes for 1,747 yards and 20 touchdowns.
On top of that, he has the kind of size (6-foot-6, 257 pounds) and athleticism to become a star at the next level. That Hodges is an unpolished gem is unquestionably true. He still struggles as a blocker and must improve his hands. But there have been many NFL tight ends who went on to have big-time careers after entering the league with similar issues.
In a few years, Hodges might be viewed as one of the biggest steals of the draft. He’ll probably come off the board late on Day 2, if not in the latter rounds on Day 3.