Dallas Cowboys should target explosive OT James Hudson
The Dallas Cowboys are likely to focus on defense in the upcoming NFL Draft, but there's one offensive need they might address as early as the first round. After all, the Cowboys are in need of an offensive tackle. But if they decide to wait until Day 2 to draft one, they should find a […]
The Dallas Cowboys are likely to focus on defense in the upcoming NFL Draft, but there's one offensive need they might address as early as the first round. After all, the Cowboys are in need of an offensive tackle. But if they decide to wait until Day 2 to draft one, they should find a great prospect in Cincinnati's James Hudson.
Hudson, who only started in 2020 for Cincinnati after plenty of transfer portal drama, was a big part of the Bearcats' success in 2020. While Hudson excelled in pass protection, Cincinnati's running game also benefited from the former Michigan Wolverine.
Hudson is an athletic and explosive prospect. His 11-inch hands measured as the biggest in the Senior Bowl, another promising trait for evaluators. He has huge upside as a prospect but NFL teams might not be interested in starting him right away.
Many question where Hudson will be drafted due to his small playing time, but after a strong performance in the Senior Bowl in January his stock has risen dramatically. Prior to the Senior Bowl, Dane Brugler published his Top-100 draft board and ranked Hudson as the 77th best prospect. Shortly after that in his Senior Bowl preview, he wrote "he might not get out of the top 40 picks."
Having played in the American Athletic Conference, many would be concerned about the level of competition. But watching Hudson dominate in the Senior Bowl pretty much cleared those doubts. His history as a 4-star recruit out of high school and time as a Michigan Wolverine should also help those concerns.
Even though he has plenty to learn as Dane Brugler noted, Hudson's production at Cincinnati was evident. According to PFF he played 358 pass-block snaps and allowed only six QB pressures.
What's best for the Dallas Cowboys is that Hudson should be available on Day 2. Matt Miller ranks him as this year's biggest sleeper at offensive tackle. It's difficult to determine Hudson's draft stock as he's everywhere in draft analysts' boards. It seems like most agree he'll be drafted in the second or third round, however. Miller ranks him as the fifth-best offensive tackle and 38th-best overall.
As Tyron Smith prepares to come back in 2021, the Cowboys are likely to draft his potential replacement. When healthy, Smith is one of the best tackles in the NFL. The problem is the veteran tackle hasn't played a full season since 2015. Having turned 30 in December with such a long injury history, it's simple to worry about Smith's availability.
Hudson is a great prospect the Dallas Cowboys could develop while Tyron Smith remains the starter. With some time on the bench, Hudson could become a solid starter in the NFL down the road. If they're lucky enough to find him in the third round, Hudson could be a steal.
Featured Image Via Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
