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Another offensive lineman on the podium answering questions today was Florida State's Rodney Hudson. Like DeMarcus Love, the theme of Hudson's remarks was versatility, a different kind of versatility.
Hudson spoke at length about his ability to play center, something he did in a game, two games, as a sophomore at Florida State. As guard, Hudson should appeal to a St. Louis Rams team that lacked power on the inside at right guard. As a someone who can play, or at least offers the potential to play, at center as well, he could be exactly what the Rams are looking for in the draft this year.
The knock on Hudson has been his size. He played most of the season at FSU at a diminutive 285 lbs. At the Senior Bowl, he weighed in at 290 lbs. Today, after working to bulk up since the game in Mobile last month, Hudson tipped the scales at 299 lbs. That's a respectable size for a center, but still a little small for a guard.
Size might be a little different matter with Hudson, enough to defy tradition. Picked by the Rams in a recent mock draft, we discussed Hudson and the belief by some prospect watchers that he plays "30 pounds heavier" than he really is. Wouldn't that be 20 pounds heavier now that he's added some weight? Looking at highlights of Hudson playing, that seems like a very reasonable assessment.
The real key for the Rams, however, could be his versatility. Hudson was very confident in his ability to play center. Though he only played it twice in an actual game, he noted today that he practiced at center often at FSU, noting that his coaches saw the ability and gave him the reps.
Hudson's interview was interrupted when the PA blurted in with the announcement that Baylor OL Danny Watkins was taking questions at podium B. I liked what I heard from Hudson. I really liked what I heard from Danny Watkins, and I'll pass that info along in a separate post.
Know this, there is some talent available on the offensive line this year, guys in the second and third rounds that could make a big difference.
Be sure to follow the action live from the Combine on Twitter. I've been posting pics and updates from the action throughout the event. Tomorrow, we've got a full day with the skill players, i.e. receivers, running backs and quarter backs.