Kansas City Chiefs Draft Center Rodney Hudson In 2nd Round Of The 2011 NFL Draft

The Kansas City Chiefs have drafted Florida State guard/center Rodney Hudson in the 2nd round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Hudson, who played guard in college is expected to make the move to center for the Chiefs. KC has a desperate need at the position as veteran Casey Weigmann could retire this offseason. Other than Weigmann, the only other center on the roster is backup Rudy Niswanger.

If Weigmann retires, Hudson could start right away. He is 6-2 and weighs in at 299. He is scouted as a quick, athletic center with particular strengths at pulling and trapping.

Here is a bit from Sideline Scouting on Hudson:

"Positives: Athletic… Heady, good awareness… Usually plays with good overall technique and knee bend… Quick hands, uses his hands reasonably well… Possesses very solid playing strength… Good initial quickness, fires out of his stance… Good agility, very solid footwork… Carries his pads reasonably well… Good run blocker… Keeps feet moving on contact… Plays reasonably low and with good leverage… Does a good job on pulls and traps… Gets to the second level quickly… Takes good angles… Does a good job keeping his feet underneath him… Good flexibility and body control… Breaks down well and does a very good job blocking in space… Good pass protector… Solid knee bender… Sets up quickly… Good lateral mobility and slide"

Here are some negatives:

"Serious size limitations especially at Guard, undersized… Shorter than ideal arm length… Inconsistent technique… Needs to improve overall playing strength a little… Doesn’t possess a great anchor and will get pushed back at times… Bends at the waist, leans into some blocks… Plays with his head down too much, allows taller defenders over the top… Doesn’t hold up especially well to bull rushers… Missed a couple games in 2009 with knee injury."

If the Chiefs medical staff cleared Hudson then I am sure his knees are fine. He is light and athletic and should fit the KC zone blocking scheme perfectly. I see Hudson as a serious upgrade at a very big position of need for the Chiefs.

What do you think Addicts? Are you happy with Hudson?

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