Rodney Hudson NFL Draft Scouting Report

Agility: Passing the look test is going to be an issue for Hudson but good thing its not all about looks. Hudson has a short stocky build but is a fluid athlete. He possesses quick and balanced motions which allows him to get good positioning on the defender.

Movement: Hudson does not have great speed but has a quick first step and short area burst. His awareness allows him to get a good jump off the line and his hands inside the defender. Hudson has the balance and quickness to effectively climb to the 2nd level and seal. His biggest advantage is his leverage and balance which helps him overcome some of this his size concerns.

Pass blocking: Possessing a natural bend allows Hudson to anchor on contact. His bend helps him keep his pad level low and maintain leverage. Hudson has a strong lower half and anchors on contact. After the initial contact, Hudson is able to remain balanced limiting the defenders push on the pocket. His quick feet help him slide and mirror the potential pass rush. Hudson’s good awareness can be contributed to his smarts and the fact that he keeps his head on a swivel. He is rarely out of position and routinely picks up the correct threat.

Quickness: Hudson has the ability to quickly go from stance to set giving him an advantage over his opponent. He also excels at getting down the line and across the face of the defender limiting pocket penetration. Hudson’s quickness off the football allows him to get his hands up and inside the defender. This is important because Hudson lacks ideal strength and size. His game is dependent on getting leverage and turning the defender from the play.

Run blocking: Driving defenders off the line of scrimmage will never be a strong point of Hudson’s game. Where he is effective is getting inside hands and sealing defenders from the play. He has heavy hand which allows him to control the defender and turn them. His ability to Velcro to a player and control them opens running lanes.

Strength: Hudson’s strength comes from his heavy hands. He is someone that relies on getting his hands on a defender and remaining engaged. The defensive players struggle to disengage and get to the ball carrier because of Hudson’s ability to Velcro. While watching Hudson play you will rarely see him push the defender off the line which can be attributed to his lack of ideal bulk.

Technique: Having sound and proper technique is the key to Hudson’s success. I mentioned that he possesses less than idea bulk and strength which means he relies heavily on technique. Getting off the ball quickly, getting inside hands, and remaining balanced is the only way Hudson will be effective in the NFL. Luckily, Hudson is consistent with his technique and is rarely out of position.

Games Viewed: Florida, Senior Bowl, Miami, UNC ‘09

Final Word: Hudson has a bright future in the NFL but he needs to land on a team that will utilize his skill set. He is not the ideal candidate to land with a power running team. Hudson would fit with a team that employs a zone scheme that will allow him to engage and turn the defender. He has the versatility to play either guard or center but he may be more valuable at the center position. His football IQ and solid technique is what will make him a successful pro.