Weaknesses:
Summary: Cody Hoffman has been of the most productive receivers in college football over the past few seasons despite some inconsistent quarterback play. The big, strong wideout could be a possession receiver for the NFL.
Hoffman worked his way onto the field during his freshman season in 2010 when he caught 42 passes for 527 yards and four touchdowns. In his sophomore year, he improved his production to 61 receptions for 943 yards and 10 touchdowns. Hoffman had his best season as a junior. He caught 100 passes for 1,248 yards with 11 touchdowns. Hoffman considered entering the draft, but decided to return for his senior year.
Hoffman was never able to get in a groove in 2013. He had a hamstring injury that caused him to miss the season opener and slowed him down in the weeks to come. Hoffman also landed a one-game suspension. The BYU offense also changed to feature Taysom Hill on the ground more often. However, Hoffman bounced back with impressive games against Wisconsin (7-113) and Washington (12-167). In those games, Hoffman flashed some nice run-after-the-catch ability.
At the Senior Bowl, Hoffman had a quality week of practice, but continued to show that he is a possession receiver who could struggle to get separation from NFL defensive backs. Hoffman needed a fast 40 time at the Combine to help his draft stock, but it didn’t happen, as he recorded a time of 4.65 seconds in the 40-yard dash with a slow 10-yard split.
There is no doubt Hoffman projects as an NFL possession receiver. He is a big target with leaping ability. Hoffman will be a nice weapon in the red zone and on medium third-down situations.
Hoffman would be a nice fit as a Z (flanker) receiver in a West Coast offense. The Z does a lot of dirty work with blocking and running slants, cross and digs in the short to intermediate part of the field. A big, tough receiver like Hoffman would fit that role well.
Because Hoffman is a slow receiver, he is projected to be a third-day pick who could go as high as the fourth or fall as low as the seventh round.
Player Comparison: Malcolm Floyd. Hoffman’s game is similar to Floyd, but the Charger veteran has more speed. Floyd (6-5, 225) uses his size to make catches in the short to intermediate part of the field and presents a big target for his quarterback. Floyd had some solid seasons as a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver for San Diego. If Hoffman pans out in the NFL, I could see him being a receiver who plays like Floyd.
NFL Matches: Detroit, New York Jets, Baltimore, Tampa Bay, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Carolina, San Francisco, Indianapolis, San Diego, New Orleans, Seattle
There are a lot of teams that could consider Hoffman on the third day of the draft. The 49ers, Eagles and Seahawks are all possibilities. The former especially could use Hoffman as a potential replacement for Anquan Boldin down the road. Both the Eagles and Seahawks could use a receiver with some size. Chip Kelly likes intelligent receivers who have some size and run-after-the-catch ability.
Both Detroit and Tampa Bay are in need of receivers. Hoffman would be a possession receiver to work underneath Calvin Johnson. The Bucs need a third receiver, plus Vincent Jackson is aging.
Cleveland also could target Hoffman on day three as a No. 2 receiver to play off Josh Gordon.
Both the Jets and Ravens need some receiving weapons for their quarterbacks. The Ravens never replaced Boldin adequately, while New York is lacking receiving weapons for Geno Smith.
The Panthers and Colts are in need of some long-term wideouts for their franchise quarterbacks. Carolina needs an upgrade at receiver, and Steve Smith may not be around much longer. Ditto for Reggie Wayne. Indianapolis could use a young receiver with size to pair with T.Y. Hilton.
New Orleans is starting the process of getting younger at receiver, and Hoffman could be an understudy to Marques Colston. The Chargers hit a home run with Keenan Allen in the third round last year, and Hoffman could help fill out their receiving corps.
RELATED LINKS:
2014 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2014 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2014 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
NFL Picks - Nov. 20
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 20
NFL Power Rankings - Nov. 19
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
