The 2017 NFL Draft didn’t go as planned for Virginia Tech. In all, four Hokies were drafted, but it took until the sixth round for a Virginia Tech player to come off the board. Let’s take a look at four Hokies drafted, as well as the Hokies headed to NFL teams on undrafted free agent contracts.
Chuck Clark, sixth round, 186th overall (Baltimore Ravens)
Surprisingly enough, safety Chuck Clark was the first Virginia Tech player to be taken. Baltimore loaded up on defensive players on all three days of the 2017 NFL Draft, and Clark was the second defensive back taken by the Ravens. Clark was projected as a sixth-round talent, but wasn’t seen as the best player out of Virginia Tech in the draft. Still, coach John Harbaugh is a great defensive mind and Clark couldn’t have found many better places to be.
Bucky Hodges, sixth round, 201st overall (Minnesota Vikings)
I was pretty shocked that Bucky Hodges fell to the sixth round. Most 6-foot-6 tight ends with his measureables don’t make it out of the first three rounds. However, it seems as if NFL teams saw some of the same problems other people have when it comes to Hodges’ game. Hodges was a part of a deep pass-catching class for the Vikings this year, as Minnesota drafted three receivers/tight ends. The Vikings also drafted Florida State’s Dalvin Cook in the first round, as they try to create some offense around Sam Bradford, and possibly Teddy Bridgewater if he makes it back from injury.
Sam Rogers, sixth round, 206th overall (Los Angeles Rams)
Just five picks later, Sam Rogers was the third Hokie taken. The sixth round was roughly where I expected him to go, simply because of his versatility on offense and ability on special teams. The Rams, under new Head Coach Sean McVay, likely won’t use a tradition fullback in many of their packages, but I still expect Rogers to carve out a role.
Isaiah Ford, seventh round, 237th overall (Miami Dolphins)
I’ve spent the last two days trying to justify Isaiah Ford going in the seventh round, and I’ve had little success. Ford set school records at Virginia Tech and looked about as polished as anyone in the draft class this year. Ford was projected early in the process as a third-round pick, but his slow 40-yard-dash time (4.61 seconds) likely scared teams away. To me, Ford is fast enough on the field to make an impact and will become a decent receiver at the NFL level. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Ford make the Week 1 roster.
Undrafted free agents and camp invites
Note: Until the moves are officially announced by each NFL team, it is unknown if these players signed undrafted free agent deals or received minicamp invites.
Nigel Williams, Buffalo Bills
Nigel Williams wasn’t expected to be drafted, but he has a good work ethic and could carve out a backup role in the NFL. He’ll join Tyrod Taylor in Buffalo.
Woody Baron, Dallas Cowboys
Of all the undrafted players from Virginia Tech, I think Woody Baron has the best chance to make a roster. I love his intangibles and he had a monster season as a senior. Despite putting up big numbers, he flew largely under the radar during the pre-draft process.
Ken Ekanem, Denver Broncos
Denver is a great place for Ken Ekanem, who should play 3-4 outside linebacker and specialize as a pass rusher. He’ll need to improve in coverage, as he was rarely asked to do it at Virginia Tech.
Jonathan McLaughlin, Arizona Cardinals
I like Jonathan McLaughlin’s upside as a right tackle at the NFL level. He has a lot of work to do, but playing under Bruce Arians is a pretty good situation. McLaughlin plays a developmental position anyway, and spending a year on a practice squad wouldn’t be the worst thing.
Jerod Evans, unsigned
Evans not being drafted was another small Saturday surprise, simply because of his upside. In fact, teams passed on Evans for 10 other quarterbacks, which is quite a big number. As of now, Evans remains unsigned, which is also surprising. If the Broncos are willing to draft Chad Kelly with the last pick of the draft, surely a team is willing to take a flier on Evans after the draft. Of all the undrafted quarterbacks, Evans has the best skillset and the highest ceiling.
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Even with an ‘extra’ year, none of the Hokies discussed in this article would have been ringing any bells ! IMO, the 2016 VT Football Team was not really that ‘loaded, when it comes right down to NFL potential. This bunch (& Team) were not exactly up there with the SEC ‘cream of the crop’. However, if you want to talk about the coaching staff, who may have come up with a miracle or two; well then, that is a totally different story.
Why no mention of Trey Edmunds? Also, I think Evans, Ford & Hodges stock would have risen if they had stayed in school.
Congrats to all Hokies with the opportunity to make it in the League. Great to see DBU’s impact in Baltimore & Look out Hollywood, here come’s a Man named Sam!!!
Nigel & Ken pack your long underwear as it’s bone cold in those stadiums, we’re gonna miss your defensive leadership. Try to visit Big John in the off season as it’s quite warm in A-Zona. Ford & Hodges.. take it to the next level and make a ton of sport center highlights.
Let’s Go…Hokies!!!
No offense to anyone but chad Kelly is way better than Evans and played against better competition week in NFL out. I don’t think anyone is surprised Evans didn’t get taken. Shoulda stuck it out here
Here’s the Bottom Line: Unless you’re a truly rare phenom, stay in school for 4 years. Your draft chances – and eventual payday – will be better off for it. More detail:
– Hodges: Is not God’s Gift, despite his tats to that effect. Rarely blocked effectively and had trouble staying upright after the catch. An NFL TE needs to be a good blocker. If he had honed that skill, he would’ve been drafted in the top 3 rounds.
– Evans: There are no words to describe how foolish his decision to come out was. Nuff said.
– Ford: Probably overlooked but more likely he was given bad advice by a greedy agent. He was not going to be drafted in the first two or three rounds, given the strong WR class. He’ll probably make the Dolphins roster, but his draft stock would’ve improved by staying another year.
– Rogers and Clark: Role models. Work your tail off, keep your nose clean, make the most of the talent you have, and lead by example. You will be rewarded.
Exactly exactly exactly….
Weve seen this movie before and the moral of this story is 3 jumped too soon.
Hope they all succeed and land on theit feet.
Dolphins are loaded with good receivers. Hope that Isiah finds a spot with his great hands and ability to get open.
I have to agree. His comments about not being drafted probably won’t sit well with professional GM’s. They’re looking for humility, gratitude and just a chance to play. Still I hope he gets a chance.
One more year as a Hokie, and Jerod Evans would have been drafted … should have listened.
no free agent signing either?? what’s going on with Jerod Evans??
Article about delusional QB critical of all NFL teams for not drafting him that saying they will all be sorry may have something to do with his current status.