Basic Information
- Name: Isaiah Hodgins
- Hometown: San Jose, California
- Height: 6’ 4”
- Weight: 209 lbs
- Hand Size: 9 7/8”
- Prospect Position Rank: WR 16 (DraftNetwork.com-Benjamin Solak)
- Projected Rounds: 4-5
The Skinny
The Good: First thing that any Beaver fan can attest to is that Hodgins catches literally everything. Hodgins has arguably the best hands in this entire draft class. He combines his hands, solid size, and exceptional body control to make an outstanding catch radius for himself and his QB. Hodgins is also extremely technical in his route running. He offers a diverse route tree and has a thorough comprehension of how to run each route. Because of this understanding of routes Hodgins can manipulate cornerbacks into taking false steps, thus helping create more separation in his breaks. Lastly, he tracks the ball extremely well in the air which helps him be in position to make almost any catch. Hodgins slots out best as an outside X-receiver.
The Bad: Overall the biggest weakness of Hodgins is his lacking speed and quickness. These deficiencies leach over into all his shortcomings as a wide receiver. While it’s great how Hodgins can separate with his route running, his technicality is his only option to succeed. Hodgins lacks the quick twitch reactions to explode out of breaks, and then his lack of speed hampers his post-catch playmaking ability. In addition, his play speed coming off the line is painfully slow. Lastly, Hodgins did not play a ton against tough press coverage in college. And when he did, the results weren’t great for the OSU wide receiver. He will have to work on his physicality in the NFL to overcome this.
The Final Word
Hodgins hinges on a day two pick. His highest landing spot could be in the third round, while he could just as easily slip to the fifth round. It doesn’t help that this wide receiver class could be one of the most stacked position groups in years, as this will push Hodgins stock down against other extremely talented receivers.
As for what his playing role could be, Hodgins will have to make a name for himself on special teams. His catching ability could get him a number three position if he lands on the right team, but he will need some refinement and strength work in the NFL to reach his ceiling.