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NFL Draft 2017: Top 10 draft prospects from the ACC

By Jerran Anderson

Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end David Njoku (86) reacts after a touchdown in the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Russell Athletic Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end David Njoku (86) reacts after a touchdown in the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Russell Athletic Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies tight end Bucky Hodges (7) runs after a catch in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Virginia Tech defeated Arkansas 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies tight end Bucky Hodges (7) runs after a catch in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Virginia Tech defeated Arkansas 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Virginia Tech’s Bucky Hodges is not your prototypical tight end, but he’s got tons of potential at the next level. Hodges didn’t have the strongest performance at the NFL Combine but some numbers still put him above other talent in the ACC.

Hodges caught 133 passes for 1,747 receiving yards and 20 receiving touchdowns in three years at Virginia Tech. He finished top 10 in the ACC in receiving touchdowns all three seasons. He caught 48 passes for 691 receiving yards, both career-highs, and seven touchdowns in 2016.

Hodges has outstanding talent with a lot to offer but also has a lot to learning to do. While he didn’t have the fastest 40-time at the NFL Combine, his 39.0 vertical leap was the best out of all tight ends.

He had a five-catch, 101 receiving yard performance against Duke back in 2015 with three receiving touchdowns. He had a career-high 145 receiving yards against the Pittsburgh Panthers last season as well, probably the most physical defense in the ACC. Hodges has shown big-play ability but needs to do it more on a consistent basis in the NFL.

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