Oregon State Wide Receiver, Isaiah Hodgins, is turning heads with his dynamic play-making Ability
Listed at 6-4, 209 pounds, the junior receiver from Oregon State, Isaiah Hodgins has solidified himself as a key player on the Beavers’ squad. Unfortunately, I was not able to find game tape in order to truly assess the prospect, but the highlights are stellar.
Using highlights to scout a player is generally not a great idea, but it can be used to get an idea of what kinds of plays an individual is capable of making. From the highlights, one thing is very clear, Hodgins has incredibly strong hands. With his large frame, he is surprisingly very aware of where his body is in space. Hodgins is able to easily contort his body in order to make amazing catches on every level of the field even through contact. With a long stride and clean route running for his size, he is able to create separation from defenders despite his lack of speed thus creating mismatches against a variety of players. In the second level, Hodgins has jump ball ability comparable to that of Bears receiver, Allen Robinson.
My main concern for Hodgins based solely on the highlight reel is his speed. Hodgins’ does not seem to demonstrate the speed that might be necessary for the next level. Hodgins is not a playmaker once the ball is in his hands due to his lack of speed and lateral movement. However, speed is not something that is essential for receivers to succeed in the NFL. Currently, my best modern comparison in terms of play style would be a combination of both Brandon Marshall and Larry Fitzgerald.
Based on the highlights alone, I see a large bodied receiver that can bully smaller defenders such as Brandon Marshall demonstrated throughout his career. I also see a receiver that relies on his route running to create separation because he lacks speed and burst to run past defenders and contribute many RAC yards as a result, such as Arizona Cardinal great, and future hall of famer, Larry Fitzgerald. To be clear, I am not saying that Hodgins will be as productive as both of these iconic NFL players, but merely drawing a comparison on their play styles.
What scouts need to watch for this season is if Hodgins’ is able to run block effectively. In the highlights I watched, I did not see any examples of his ability to block. With his large frame and the moments where he has displayed his strength I would hope to expect an adequate run blocker that may need to clean up his technique.
Hodgins’ role in an offense will most likely be limited to a jump ball receiver and red zone threat which many teams in the NFL may look for relatively early in a draft that is loaded with talent at the wide receiver position.
