The Panthers announced this afternoon that they have signed rookie tight end Bucky Hodges to the practice squad. Drafted in the sixth round by the Minnesota Vikings, Bucky was at one time considered to be as high as a second round prospect as either a TE or a WR.
The former Virginia Tech standout possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism that makes him a perfect prospect for the mismatch-nightmare inducing role of WR/TE tweener. Obviously, a recently waived, late-round draft pick signed to the practice squad has a long ways to go to live up to that potential, but Hodges has the chance to take the long-unsettled spot behind Greg Olsen.