Colts 15 Undrafted Free Agents: Comprehensive Breakdown

Via GettyImages

Zach Hodges, LB Harvard

Analysis: The 6’2″, 250 pound Hodges had threatened to be the 21st player from Harvard drafted; however, that didn’t ultimately come to fruition. Still, he has an opportunity with the Colts to make their roster as an outside linebacker. Last season for the Crimson, Hodges had 10 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks which led the team, as he lined up inside, outside, and all over the field. He was named 2nd-Team FCS AP All-American and First-Team All-Ivy League. 

At the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.68 forty time and boasted a vertical jump of 33.5 inches, but most impressive was his broad jump of 125.0 inches which was among the combine’s best at outside linebacker.

Like Galea and Hartsfield before him, Hodges will hope to stick as a backup outside linebacker at a position that is very top heavy with the Colts. Still, there may be a backup or special teams role available at the position, and Hodges looks like a strong candidate to push either Daniel Adongo or Cam Johnson for a potential spot lower on the depth chart.

Per Dane Brugler of NFLDraftScout, Hodges “has an excellent first step with instant acceleration and nonstop momentum”, but is “in the learning stages of his development and has a long ways to go”.

Via his NFL.com Draft Profile:

BOTTOM LINE

"The edge-bending potential are both there, but Hodges is still very raw and lacks the functional strength to set the edge as a defensive end while lacking the fluidity in space to be a 3-4 outside ‘backer. He appears to be a project who must live in the weight room in order to be able to become a more complete physical talent."