NFL Draft 2013: Saints to Visit with Penn State LB Gerald Hodges

Improving the pass rush is evident for the New Orleans Saints as the 2013 NFL Draft inches closer each day. According to FOX8 sports reporter Sean Fazende, the Saints have scheduled a visit with former Penn State linebacker Gerald Hodges.

I can confirm Texas S Kenny Vaccaro's and Penn St. LB Gerald Hodges'#saints visit this wk

— sean fazende (@SeanFazende) April 16, 2013

The Saints have previously visited with one of his former teammates in linebacker Michael Mauti last week and it seems have shown an interest in Hodges as well. Likely because as in the case with Mauti, Hodges is ranked as a late round draft pick going possibly in the fifth round.

The unique thing about Hodges is that when he started as a freshman at Penn State he was actually a safety who was then moved to linebacker. He has drawn positive marks for being athletic, physical, and due to his former defensive back skills, good in coverage.

During his career at Penn State, Hodges registered 249 tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, 16 passes defended, 3 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles. His strongest season was 2012 where he had highs in tackles (109) and interceptions (2).

At the 2013 NFL Combine Hodges only participated in three drills, running a pedestrian 4.78 40-yard dash, doing 22 reps of 225 lbs. on the bench press, and notching a 119 inch broad jump. At his Pro Day he did do the vertical jump (35.5 inches) and shuttle drill (4.25 seconds) but nothing else.