James Hudson, the 6-foot-5, 302-pound offensive left tackle garnered All-American Athletic Conference honors at Cincinnati in his only full season with the Bearcats, helping out the team to a No. 8 AP ranking and a 9-1 record. Hudson has been projected as a potential draft selection anywhere from the third or fourth round up to, in a best-case-scenario, a late first-round slot.

Strengths

• Solid positional run blocker who flashes the nasty demeanor and killer instinct scouts covet.
• Has the feet to adjust when he anticipates what's coming. Effective trapping and bends at the knees with adequate core strength to absorb the bull rush. Can clear a path at the second level if he hits the target.
• Raw but athletic with big, strong hands and the potential to get substantially better with additional technique and strength training. .
• Dips shoulder and moves his feet to get outside leverage when needed. Strong and low coming out of his stance, effective in short-yardage situations.
• Awareness is above-average for his limited experience. Sells trap block and can turn to seal. Fluid getting to and adjust at the second level.

Weaknesses

• Susceptible to speed rushers. Has only average quickness off the snap and doesn't possess the acceleration or arm length to corral defenders once they cross his face.
• Hudson is considered a developmental prospect high a high ceiling after only starting one season at Cincinnati.
• A short-area blocker with limited range and doesn't consistently get to the second level. Will play undisciplined at times, especially in space. Lacks a finishing attitude.
• Loses leverage battles and plays with high pad level. Can be late off the snap.
• He’s still very much in a developmental phase, but a high ceiling will likely push him up the draft board.

Hudson has been projected as a potential draft selection anywhere from the third or fourth round up to, in a best-case-scenario, a late first-round slot. We think he is far too raw for the first round but will probably not make it out of the second round.

Pro-day update
OT James Hudson HT 6046 WT 313 Hand 10 5/8 Arm 32 7/8 Wing 80 7/8 40-yd 5.27/5.37 VJ 28.5 BJ 8-2 SS 4.79 3C 8.05 BP 22x