Arizona Cardinals: 5 2015 NFL Draft Sleepers to Target

Zack Hodges, OLB, Harvard

Jan 20, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad outside linebacker Zack Hodges of Harvard (96) breaks up this pass intended for tight end

of Kent State (87) during Senior Bowl North squad practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinals had one of the best defenses in the league last season, but they did struggle to get consistent pressure on the quarterback. They had only 28 sacks on the season, which had them ranked 26^th in the entire league.

Their defense was great last season, but they have a chance to become dominant with an improved pass rush.

While the Cardinals will surely consider pass rushers as soon as the first round of the draft, they would also be wise to try and find a late round pass rush sleeper. Zack Hodges from Harvard feels like a good fit for the team.

Hodges was a consistent performer throughout his career with 26 career sacks. He lined up all across the defense while in college. Inside, outside, standing up and with a hand on his ground, Hodges showed the ability to get a consistent pass rush from many different angles.

He shows an incredible first step off the line, coupled with nice agility and pure athleticism. Hodges plays with a low pad level, and has a well-developed pass rushing technique.

The biggest knock on Hodges has typically been his lack of size, as he played at around 235 pounds for most of his senior season at Harvard. He bulked up for the combine, and is now listed at 6-foot-2, 250 pounds. He still showed plenty of speed and athleticism at that weight in the combine, but it is fair to wonder whether that will translate to the field.

Hodges must be able to play at around 250 pounds to be a legitimate pass rushing option at the NFL level.

He is a relentless high motor player who always plays with a lot of aggressiveness. Usually his aggressiveness is a positive, but there are times where Hodges seems to wear down, so perhaps controlling his energy better would help him at the next level.

Hodges has also shown the athleticism needed to drop in coverage. I would not call him a great cover linebacker, but he can certainly drop back when needed. He is also very good against the run, showing the necessary ability to shed blockers, and consistently making solid tackles.

Hodges is the most interesting pass rush prospects who will be available later in the draft. The Cardinals may have to ease him in a little bit, but he has the pure skill set to make an impact right away, and grow into a fearsome 3-4 outside linebacker down the road.

He is definitely worth the Cardinals taking a chance on in the fourth or fifth round of the draft.

Next: A Physical and Athletic Back with Upside