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New York Giants: Tight Ends To Consider In 2017 NFL Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-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 quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. 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 quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech Hokies

Age: 21 (8/8/1995)
Class: Redshirt Junior
Height & Weight: 6’7″ & 245 pounds
2016 Season Statistics: 48 receptions, 691 yards, 7 touchdowns

In a class that’s flush with talent at tight end, you won’t find many better in the passing game than Bucky Hodges. With a big body and intriguing athleticism, Hodges has the invaluable ability to box out and make contested plays.

The New York Giants already have two dynamic receivers in Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard, but adding Hodges would give Eli Manning quite the option at tight end.

Of the tight ends in the 2017 NFL Draft, one could argue that Hodges has the highest ceiling. He stands at 6’7″ and 245 pounds, which is reason enough to covet his presence as a big target who’s easy to find across the middle.

Hodges also does a solid job of positioning himself for contested catches and picking up extra yardage by fighting through contact.

Hodges must improve as a blocker, but he has the size to fill out and become a powerful force in run protection. Although there’s more upside than established ability, Eli Manning would have a walking mismatch to utilize in the passing attack.

The thought of Hodges, Odell Beckham Jr., and Sterling Shepard running routes in the same offense is nothing short of alluring.

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