To the casual fan, Zach Hodges may be a player that is unknown. I am here to change that.
I have Hodges graded as a 4th round pick.
Hodges is a quick player with a pretty good spin move. He sets the edge well against the run and has a good use of leverage. He can play with a low pad level. Hodges' greatest asset is his relentless motor. However, Hodges wears down as games go on because of how hard he plays.
Many project Hodges as a 3-4 OLB, but I believe that his best fit is as a 4-3 DE. Hodges has to gain weight first, though. He struggles with his hand use while pass-rushing or run-defending. He also hasn't faced marquee talent in his college career. He doesn't get great jumps off of snaps, either.
Hodges is a guy that will be a solid role player in the NFL if he maxes out his potential. He would fit nicely with a team that needs a situational pass-rusher.
Projection: Round 4
Grade: Round 4