Bucky Hodges NFL Draft 2017: Scouting Report for Minnesota Vikings' Pick

Combine/Pro Day Results

Height	Weight	40 Time	3-Cone	Short Shuttle
6'6"	257 lbs	4.57s	7.05s	4.29s

POSITIVES

A tight end who played some wide receiver in 2016, Bucky Hodges is an ideal fit in a flex tight end role. He's able to move around the formation as an athlete and can be a tough matchup for defensive backs given his size and speed. At 6'6" and 257 pounds, Hodges has better size than most "flex" tight end prospects. He's an easy mover with a natural running motion and has shown the athleticism to make big plays down the field—both after the catch and as a route-runner. Hodges is a great player up the seam, and he showed in college that he's able to fight off bracket coverage and understands how to use his size to high-point the ball. With enough burst and pure straight-line speed to beat defenders off the line, Hodges can be used right away as an NFL tight end. With excellent football IQ and a knack for finding space, the former Virginia Tech tight end is a finished product.

NEGATIVES

Hodges' film doesn't show a ton of shake in his hips and feet. He's a straight-line guy and can struggle to beat coverage if he doesn't win from his initial burst. His speed is more build-up than sudden. Playing in a variety of roles at Virginia Tech may have kept Hodges from ever developing his route tree. Too often he's rounding routes and trying to win by simply posting up defenders. Dropped passes are a common occurrence on his film.

PRO COMPARISON: Devin Funchess, Carolina Panthers

FINAL GRADE: 6.60/9.00 (Rookie Impact—Round 2)

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