Four Hokies selected in 2017 NFL Draft, more sign as free agents

BLACKSBURG – Well, so much for all those mock drafts! Here’s a look at the four Virginia Tech players who were selected in the 2017 NFL Draft, plus Hokies who are anticipated to be officially signed as free agents. With NFL squads slated to begin three-day rookie camps as soon as May 5, there is the possibility that other Hokies could be signed or invited to those camps on a tryout basis.

New Hokies in the NFL

Position Player Team Round Overall
S Chuck Clark Baltimore 6 No. 186
TE Bucky Hodges Minnesota 6 No. 201
RB Sam Rogers L.A. Rams 6 No. 206
WR Isaiah Ford Miami 7 No. 237
DT Woody Baron Dallas Free Agent
RB Trey Edmunds* Kansas City Free Agent
DE Ken Ekanem Denver Free Agent
T Jon McLaughlin Arizona Free Agent
DT Nigel Williams Buffalo Free Agent
* Concluded college career at Maryland

Season tickets on sale to general public on June 21

A season ticket is your only way to guarantee a seat at Lane Stadium when Clemson visits Blacksburg on Sept. 30. No single-game sales of Clemson tickets are anticipated, so save your spot for all six Saturday games at Lane today. Season tickets will be available to members of the general public on June 21. Or join the Hokie Club today and beat the rush!

2017 season tickets

vtfootball.com/

2017 NFL Draft recap

S Chuck Clark – Baltimore Ravens

Conventional wisdom didn’t anticipate free safety Chuck Clark being the first Virginia Tech played selected in the 2017 NFL Draft, but it’s not surprise that Clark landed with the Ravens, who used five of their seven draft picks on the defensive side of the ball. The Suffolk, Virginia native not only gets the benefit of playing for a Ravens squad historically known for solid defense, but he’ll also only be around four hours from home.

Here’s what the Ravens and Clark were saying after his selection:

bit.ly/IBringDBoom

TE Bucky Hodges – Minnesota Vikings

Projected by most media outlets to be the first Virginia Tech player selected in the 2017 NFL Draft, Hodges told the Minnesota media that he has “a chip on his shoulder the size of a boulder” after going in the sixth round. Hodges was part of Minnesota draft that included seven offensive players, including four from the ACC: running back Dalvin Cook (Florida State), center Pat Elflein (Ohio State), wide receiver Rodney Adams (USF), guard Danny Isidora (Miami) and wide receiver Stacy Coley (Miami).

Here’s Hodges’ first interview with the Vikings’ media after his selection:

bit.ly/BuckyAudio

RB Sam Rogers – L.A. Rams

With the NFL’s youngest head coach in Sean McVay, the Rams went decidedly “old-school” with their selection of Rogers, who brings versatility and tenacity to the team’s roster. And when he was asked Saturday whether he has experience on special teams, his response wasn’t surprising. “Yes sir, absolutely,” Rogers told the California media. “Playing at Virginia Tech, special teams is a huge emphasis – I can’t wait to bring that mentality to the Rams and get on the field any way I can. Obviously, special teams is going to be a big part of that, and I want to play as much as I can.”

Read more of what Rogers told the Los Angeles media after his selection:

bit.ly/Sam-LAR

WR Isaiah Ford – Miami Dolphins

While Ford went later than anticipated in the NFL Draft, among the many positives for Virginia Tech’s all-time leading receiver is that he’s heading back to his home state of Florida. The Dolphins boast a quarterback in Ryan Tannehill, who enters his sixth NFL season, while the receiving corps boasts productive veterans like Jarvis Landry and Kenny Stills, who can assist him in acclimating to the pro game.

Here’s a look at what Ford was saying following his selection:

bit.ly/IAF-mia

Reserve Your Seat For 2017 Season Opener at FedExField

Just a friendly reminder for Hokie Club members and season ticket holders that if you haven’t reserved your tickets yet for the 2017 season opener against West Virginia, time is running out. Get the best seats before the May 9 deadline!

DEADLINE: May 9 for Hokie Club Members & Season Ticket Holders

West Virginia at FedExField, Sept. 3

bit.ly/VT-WVU

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