Dallas Cowboys: Mock Draft, Post Gregory News

Round 4 – Khalil Hodge – Linebacker – Buffalo

As of right now Sean Lee will be returning, but with his injury history and possible retirement looming, the Cowboys could look to add some more youth at linebacker. Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch are possibly the best linebacking duo in the league, and if Hodge can be what he looks like he could be, he would be a steal in the fourth and give the Cowboys a legendary linebacking corps in a year or two.

Hodge had the second best passer rating against in all of college football at linebacker. The only linebacker better is T.J. Edwards. If Hodge lines up a tackle he almost always makes it, seriously, he does not miss often at all. He covers sideline to sideline well and is smart with his hands. He has shown the ability to cover both tight ends and running backs well.

So what is the downside? Well, first he plays in Buffalo, not known for its competition levels. The second thing that could drop Hodge to the fourth is he needs to learn to not overpursue at times and rely on his athleticism at the next level. He can rush the passer, but needs to develop a little better at knowing when to drop out. He is a stud in the making with a little bit of work.