Zach Hodges is one the hottest names coming from the FCS into this years NFL Draft. Hodges has the ability to play at the highest level and succeed. Hodges measures in at 6’3″ and 235 and plays all over the field for the Crimson.
http://youtu.be/d6KdwEKRVeY
Strengths: Hodges is very versatile, in his three years as a starter he has lined up and played every spot on the defensive line and also every linebacker position. Hodges impresses with a very quick first step and has a relentless motor to get to the ball. Even though he has a very lean build, he has the ability to play with a low pad level and keep a balanced stance as he passes through the line of scrimmage. His non-stop motor allows him to never give up in his pursuit, he will use multiple moves on the same play until he gets off his block.
Weaknesses: Hodges has a very lean build and his transition to a stand up OLB at the NFL level will require him to bulk up and be able to handle being blocked by much bigger guys then he sees on a regular basis in the Ivy League. His motor sometimes has him running past the play and he needs to be able to harness that energy. He also has ability to expand on his pass rushing moves as he is still in the development stages of his football career.
Draft Prognosis: Zach Hodges of Harvard is no where hear his ceiling of skills in this game of football. He will continue to get better. He has the skills now to contribute as a situational pass rusher and be able to develop into an every down OLB. He is most likely more suited for a 3-4 defense unless he adds much needed bulk to his frame. Hodges is a mid round guy with high of the 4th round, but could drop as far as the mid 6th round.
