From now until the 2019 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#4 Khalil Hodge/LB/Buffalo/6’1”235
The Good
-Possesses sideline-to-sideline range and has a nose for the football; great motor for the position
-Highly productive off-ball linebacker at UB
-Quick-twitch LB that consistently slips blockers and explodes downhill for stops
-Reads and reacts quickly to play happening in front of him and nearly always finds himself in position to make a play on the ball carrier
-Surprisingly good hands for the position; comfortable dropping in space and getting a hand on the ball
-Think, muscular frame for the position and can hold up well inside
-Sound, technical tackler who rarely misses
The Bad
-Struggled with weight issues at times on film and looked slow in a couple of games
-Rarely takes on blocks, which he’ll certainly be asked to do in the NFL; prefers to slip and use athleticism
-Visual pursuit player that lacks ideal instincts to cut off the play before it starts
-Slow to scrape at times and has to rely on athleticism to get back into position
-Limited in pass drops; slow, heavy backpedal and looks woefully uncomfortable in man when turning and running
Bio
-Finished UB career with 419 career tackles, 21.