Center Rodney Hudson joined the Raiders as a free agent this offseason after four years with the Kansas City Chiefs. The mind in the middle has exceeded the expectations of his coaches and has inserted himself into the core of the offensive line.
The veteran lineman took to the podium following the Raiders final practice to discuss his experience in Silver and Black so far.
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Learning from Offensive Line Coach Mike Tice
"I'm excited to be able to work with him and get better, not only for myself but as a group. He's a good coach. He's been around for a lot of years and I'm looking forward to it."
Fitting into the Offensive System
Understanding a new offensive system with new teammates and coaches can be a challenge, but Hudson is adjusting well.
"I've been in a few systems in my career – maybe three or four – so I'm used to learning something new. It's going good. It's going good, but I take every day as a learning experience. You learn something new every day and I think all of the guys are. We're just taking it in stride and trying to get better every day and continuing to learn together."
Building Chemistry
One of the most important pieces of a strong offensive line is its chemistry, which the Raiders O-line has been working on since the offseason program started.
"It's been great. I think it's been great. A lot of the guys have taken me in, as well as a lot of other new guys. We're excited. We have a good time on and off the field competing in the weight room, on the field, in the meeting rooms. We have a good time, like I said, learning together and trying to learn the system and grow together."
"It's an exciting group, great chemistry. We have a good mix of older guys and younger guys and guys in the middle. We've got a lot of guys with a lot of experience and I think that's great for the room. Like you said, the mood is very upbeat. We've got a lot of guys with a lot of energy who bring some life to the room."
Relationship Between Center and Quarterback
An offense can't function if the connection between the center and quarterback isn't developed and on point. Hudson and QB Derek Carr worked together on the field this week and have spent time in the meeting rooms gelling and building a strong rapport.
"It's important. It's important, but we still have room to grow there. I think we got off to a great start so far and we'll continue to work."
