After establishing himself as one of the top-tier centers in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs, Rodney Hudson signed with the Raiders this March.
Where He's Been
After playing collegiately at Florida State, Hudson was drafted in the second round (No. 55 overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.
During his four years in Kansas City, Hudson appeared in 51 games, making 35 starts, including all 16 games in 2014.
However, Hudson went west this offseason, trading in his Chiefs uniform for the Silver and Black, and now he's looking forward to being on the other side of one of the most bitter rivalries in the NFL.
"It feels good," said Hudson after signing his contract with the Raiders. "It's going good so far, getting to know my new teammates and getting on the field together and getting to know each other in the locker room."
**He's Fitting In Already
Photos of new Raiders center, Rodney Hudson.
Florida State (2007-10)
Kansas City Chiefs (2011-14)
Oakland Raiders (2015)
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While he spent the last four seasons with the division-rival Chiefs, it has been a smooth transition to Oakland for Hudson and he's already fitting in with his new teammates.
"He [Hudson] fits right in," tackle Donald Penn said during the offseason program. "He is a jokester just like us. He is very athletic. He is a big part of this offensive line. I am happy to have him. He has been a very underrated player. Watching him out here, I am like, 'Oh, you're worth every penny you got.' He is a very good [player], so I am looking forward to it. He is going to man that middle and we're going to follow his lead."
The Bottom Line
After four years together, the Raiders parted ways with center Stefen Wisniewski during the offseason and expect Hudson to fill the void he left in the middle of the offensive line.
Hudson will also be responsible for calling out protections and helping second-year quarterback Derek Carr navigate his way through the competitive AFC West.
Hudson proved that he is a valuable commodity during his years in Kansas City, and Head Coach Jack Del Rio has been vocal about his praise for the new Raiders center.
"I think he's an excellent football player," Head Coach Del Rio said. "I think he's a rising star at the O-line position, at the center position. I've competed against him a couple of times in the last couple of years. I have a lot of respect for his abilities as a player and I think he's going to fit in great with what we want to do with our center."
