OVERVIEW
Temuchin "Bucky" Hodges is not your typical tight end. At 6-7, 245 pounds, he looks like a big wide receiver. A converted quarterback, Hodges started 10 games and earned USA Today Freshman All-American honors in 2014 (45-526, seven TDs). He was named a second-team All-ACC pick in 2015 (40-530, six TDs) and a third-team selection (48-691, seven TDs) in 2016.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Outstanding combination of size and athleticism for the position. Smooth glider around the field. Runs fast and plays fast. Long target with extended catch radius. Can get up and over the top of most defenders at the high point. Willing to work over the middle and has the frame for it. Spent time at all receiver spots and could be an option from the slot as well as outside as a pro. Seam-beater who can get over top of linebackers and work all three levels of the field. Saw 28 percent of his catches go for 20-plus yards in 2016. Can access a second gear out of route stems. Once he stacks defender on his hip, he wins. Excellent ball tracker with second gear and hand usage for late separation down the field. Former quarterback with valuable knowledge of coverages. Will demand additional attention if covered by a cornerback near goal line. Shows strength to overwhelm defensive backs as a blocker.
WEAKNESSES Has played the position just three seasons and still has much to learn. Long strider who can be put into neutral by a physical jam from press. Too nonchalant along his routes. Needs to hit route landmarks more quickly to give quarterback a timely, presentable target. Defaults into running through defender rather than effectively adjusting routes. Throws beat him up at times this season. Struggled to finish challenging catches. Lower percentage of clean catches trapping throws against his body and double catching it. Athletic but takes awhile to access acceleration after catch and may not be the "YAC" people expect. May lack power and toughness to be a reliable in-line option as a blocker.
DRAFT PROJECTION Round 3-4
NFL COMPARISON Devin Funchess
BOTTOM LINE Hodges still has work to do as a route-runner and his inconsistent hands could be a concern. He can line up inside or outside while his size and ability to work all three levels of the field should be appealing to teams looking for pass catching options. The competitive nature of the NFL could bring out more consistent toughness in him as a blocker. He has the tools to be a long-time starter and touchdown-maker in the league.
-Lance Zierlein