5.1 TE Bucky Hodges MIN

[Borderlander]

After seeing Hodges come off the board at 3.7 in Frenzy league, I figured the secret was out. So at the 3.4 pick I debated if I should reach a bit for for this guy, or take the much higher rated LB Foster. But I was quickly running out of TS and active rosters spots. Foster can be ready this year for an active roster spot. So.. never figuring Hodges would never make it to the 5th, I resigned myself to not getting the "best pass catching TE in the last couple drafts" But here we are in the PS round..

6'7", 245 lb. Workout warrior and freak athlete. 39" vert and set the combine record for TE's in the broad jump. You watch highlight videos of him, and he looks like a WR prospect. Lots of "big boy" catches. I actually think he hurt his draft stock by "declaring" as a TE and not a WR. I suspect he might have been drafted sooner.

It's hard to feel good about the Vikes current passing attack, and he needs some time to grow and develop. I don't think he passes Kyle Ruldoph this year. BUT... could he steal snaps from Lequan Treadwell (whom he seems like a bigger/faster version of) or Adam Theilan? Could he find a role as an end zone "jump ball" specialist this year? Maybe... just maybe. In the mean time, I can find a practice squad spot for him, even if it costs me the chance to trade for a future pick. Part of all of this is that I am a Vikes fan and so obviously there is some pretty heavy fanboy involved, but I am still really excited to get him here.

Welcome to the team sir, now go out there and ball.

[Preds]

We must read the same reports...

Nice pick and great value for you in round 5!