National Football League

NFL Draft 2017: Top 3 draft prospects from Virginia Tech

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:05 p.m. ET

Fansided, Jerran Anderson/FanSided via Saturday Blitz

Dec 26, 2015; Shreveport, LA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Isaiah Ford (1) makes a reception during the first quarter against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Independence Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Virginia Tech football program is on the rise, with some NFL Draft talent to boot as well.

The Virginia Tech Hokies finished 10-4, won the Coastal Division and lost to the eventual National Champion Clemson Tigers 42-35 in the ACC Championship Game. Now, they'll see some of their top talent from last season's successful team enter the NFL Draft.

The Hokies saw some unexpected success in 2016, ending in first-year head coach Justin Fuente winning the ACC Coach of the Year award. Other players will also cash-in on their own on-field successes, figuratively speaking.

Virginia Tech quarterback Jerod Evans is one player who entered his name early in this year's NFL Draft. Evans put up 3,552 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, 846 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns in his first season as starter.

Evans is a small chunk of the offensive success the Hokies saw in 2016. Granted, he's the signal caller, but a lot of scouts question his abilities, something he'll have to overcome if he's drafted. Here's a look at their top prospects in the NFL Draft.

Sep 10, 2016; Bristol, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) is forced out of bounds by Virginia Tech Hokies defensive back Chuck Clark (19) during the first half at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Chuck Clark

DB, Virginia Tech

Chuck Clark is a converted defensive back at the NFL level but at Virginia Tech, he played the safety position. He may lack the size that scouts look for in prospects in the NFL Draft, but he certainly has a nose for the football.

Clark racked up 292 total tackles (170 solo, 122 assisted), 14.0 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 2 interceptions and a forced fumble in his four-year career in Blacksburg. Clark did earn All-ACC honorable mention honors in his final season with the Hokies. He recorded 93 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and two pass breakups.

He also had 20 total pass breakups. 11 of those pass breakups came in his sophomore season at the cornerback position back in 2014. While he lacks in height (6-foot), he makes up for it with his size at 208 pounds.

Clark's durability to play multiple positions could pay dividends in the NFL Draft. He's projected to be a sixth or seventh round pick.

Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Isaiah Ford (1) tries to push off Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Jared Collins (29) in the third quarter during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Isaiah Ford

WR, Virginia Tech

Wide receiver Isaiah Ford had a strong career at Virginia Tech, entering his name early in the NFL Draft after 2016. Ford led the Hokies in receiving yards in 2015 and 2016, despite the transition to a new head coach last season.

He caught 79 passes for 1,094 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns under Justin Fuente in 2016. In 2015, he caught 75 passes for 1,164 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.

Isaiah Ford was responsible for the Boston Massacre #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/Gk9qq1UtBb

— Jonathan Valencia (@JonValencia_WiB) March 30, 2017

Ford set the new single-season record in receptions (79) this past season while also becoming the first player in Virginia Tech history to post back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

Although Ford didn't have the fastest 40-time at the NFL Combine, he showed he has the ability to get open and make catches as he did his whole career in Blacksburg. He had a catch in every game he appeared in while at Virginia Tech. He's currently projected to be a fourth or fifth round pick.

Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies tight end Bucky Hodges (7) runs after a catch in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Virginia Tech defeated Arkansas 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Bucky Hodges

TE, Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech Hokies tight end Bucky Hodges enters the NFL Draft with tons of potential for the next level. While he didn't have the strongest performance at the NFL Combine, some numbers still put him above other talent in attendance.

Hodges caught 133 passes for 1,747 receiving yards and 20 receiving touchdowns in his three-year career with the Hokies.

He caught 48 passes for 691 receiving yards (both career-highs) and seven touchdowns in 2016. He caught a career-high 145 receiving yards against the Pittsburgh Panthers last season as well, probably the most physical defense in the ACC.

WEAPON TO WATCH | Bucky Hodges, @VT_Football

4.57s at the #NFL Combine + catches like these… @Bucky757 #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/09GlvvV5qn

— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) April 14, 2017

Hodges has outstanding talent with a lot to offer but still has a lot of learning to do. He had a five catch and 101 receiving yard performance against Duke back in 2015 with three receiving touchdowns.

Hodges has shown big-play ability but needs to do it more on a consistent basis in the NFL. He's currently projected to be a second or third round pick.