Tag: James Hudson

2021 NFL draft: An offensive tackle for Chargers in each round

Here is a look at some of the offensive tackles the Chargers could consider in each round of the 2021 NFL draft.

The offensive tackle spot sits near the top in regards to positional groups that need to be addressed in the upcoming draft for the Chargers.

Luckily, this year’s crop has starting caliber talent from the first day of the draft all the way until Day 3.

With that being said, here’s a tackle from each round that could fit in Los Angeles:

Round 1 | Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech

Darrisaw, the 6-foot-5 and 315 pounder, was a three-year starter with 34 starts in college, all of which came at left tackle. Allowing only six total pressures on 267 snaps in pass protection, he has good length, demonstrates good timing and quickness with his punches, and has plus grip strength.

In the run game is where Darrisaw is at his best, flashing good quickness moving forward. He shows solid ability to reach and has the athletic traits and movement skills when getting to the second level to pave the way for ball carriers.

Overall, Darrisaw projects as a strong NFL starter at left tackle with All-Pro upside.

Honorable Mention: Samuel Cosmi, Texas

Round 2 | Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State

Radunz only played in one game this past season, but he made 32 consecutive starts at left tackle to close out his collegiate career and the Bison went 32-0 in those games. He earned 79.1 and 87.2 pass-blocking grades in his 2018 and 2019 seasons, respectively, per PFF.

While he needs to get better at finishing blocks, Radunz has the athleticism, range, foot quickness and run-blocking temperament needed to succeed in the NFL. While he develops more mass and add bulk to his frame, his skillset suggests a high ceiling.

Round 3 | James Hudson, Cincinnati

After not allowing a single sack and only giving up six total pressures on 358 pass-block snaps this past season, Hudson had still gone under the radar. However, he raised some eyebrows last month in Mobile, AL at the Reese’s Senior Bowl.

The former defensive lineman shows off lower body athleticism, a wide base, aggressive hands and competitive temperament to stay square to rushers in pass protection. In the run department, he shows the athletic ability when pulling and quickness to reach block.

Given the position transition, Hudson’s technique is still a work in progress and he could afford to add more mass and strength, but he has potential to be a high upside starter at tackle.

Honorable Mention: D’Ante Smith, East Carolina

Round 4 | Spencer Brown, Northern Iowa

After starting 32 of 33 games, Brown decided to sit out of his final season due to the delay until the spring because of COVID-19. He used that time to train with former NFL offensive tackle Joe Staley to help improve his game in preparation for the Reese’s Senior Bowl.

Towering at 6-foot-8 and 321 pounds, Brown has the combination of size, length and athleticism to thrive in the NFL. The former tight end is a mirroring magician in pass protection with smooth feet, plus core strength aggressive hands and flexibility.

While Brown is a premiere pass protector, he needs to develop more power and improve the finer details to the position that will lead to more success in the run department. With some refinement, he could be a quality starter at the next level.

Honorable Mention: Brady Christensen, BYU

Round 5 | Adrian Ealy, Oklahoma

Starting all 11 games in 2020, Ealy earned Second-Team All-Big 12 honors. Ealy allowed only three sacks on 421 pass blocks, per Pro Football Focus. In 2019, he also secured Second-Team All-Big 12 marks, starting all 12 games. He appeared in 28 games in three seasons, starting 23 of them.

Standing at 6-foot-6 and 324 pounds, Ealy has the size that NFL teams are looking for. He has great footwork and decent movement skills for his size and he is an aggressive player moving forward in the running game. Ealy needs to refine his pass blocking technique, but he has the necessary traits to be counted on.

Honorable Mention: Walker Little, Stanford

Round 6 | Dan Moore, Texas A&M

For the past three seasons, Moore served as Aggies’ starting left tackle, starting in 36-straight games. Moore was named a second-team All-SEC selection this season by the league’s coaches in 2020. He was a key piece of an offensive line that only allowed six sacks all season.

Standing at 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Moore has a guard frame with great length for the position. He is a decent athlete, showing foot quickness, lateral mobility and lower body power to generate movement. Moore’s hand usage needs work, but his skillset offers a solid developmental option.

Honorable Mention: Cole Van Linen, Wisconsin

Round 7 | Josh Ball, Marshall

Ball was a former four-star recruit and member of Florida State, but he was dismissed after some off-field issues. After joining the Thundering Herd, he didn’t start until the 2020 season, where he asserted himself as a promising hog molly.

Checking in at 6-foot-7 and 309 pounds, Ball isn’t that hard to miss on the football with his giant-sized body. He is a powerful tackle, showing strong hands at the point of attack. Ball shows decent athleticism and adequate length to make it difficult for pass rushers to get around him.

Ball projects as a swing option on both sides at the next level, as he doesn’t possess a significant strength nor an unfixable weaknesses. If his baggage checks out, he would be an intriguing developmental piece.

Honorable Mention: Carson Green, Texas A&M

2021 NFL mock draft: Rams grab potential long-term solution at LT in 2nd round

James Hudson is a raw prospect, but one with a high ceiling.

All signs point toward Andrew Whitworth returning to the Rams for the 2021 season, so long as they’ll have him back. He seems intent on playing a 16th season in the NFL at the age of 40 and being under contract through 2022, it only seems logical that the Rams would welcome him back.

But regardless of whether Whitworth returns in 2021, the Rams need to begin searching for his eventual replacement. In Luke Easterling’s new two-round mock draft for Draft Wire, he has the Rams finding a potential heir to Whitworth’s throne.

At No. 57 overall, Easterling has the Rams selecting Cincinnati left tackle James Hudson. He’s a raw left tackle prospect with a somewhat limited sample size playing the position in college, but he’s a talented player with a high ceiling. He performed well at the Senior Bowl and has the requisite size teams look for at left tackle (6-foot-4, 302 pounds).

Hudson is projected to be a second- or third-round pick in April and whichever team selects him will be getting a promising player, but maybe not one ready to contribute right away as a starter. Fortunately for the Rams, they don’t need an immediate starter.

Whitworth should be back in 2021 and with Joe Noteboom only having one year left on his contract, he’s not certain to be a long-term option to replace Whitworth. Hudson would give the Rams yet another player to compete for the position down the road, along with Bobby Evans and possibly even Tremayne Anchrum.

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6 potential Chargers prospects who stood out from Day 2 of Senior Bowl

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez updates you on the prospects he believes received attention from Los Angeles on Day 2 of the Senior Bowl.

Day 2 of practices at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl have officially come to an end.

After experiencing some rain, the weather held up a lot better in Mobile, AL.

There were a handful of prospects that stood out today, some of which capitalized on yesterday’s performance and a few that made their first cases.

With that being said, here are six players that shined who could be on the Chargers’ radar:

IOL Quinn Meinerz, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

The Senior Bowl is notorious for bringing in small-school prospects who show that the competition is not too big for them. This year, it’s Meinerz. The former Division III has lined up both at center and guard, where he’s been a wall in pass protection and a road-graded in the run game, putting defenders on the turf. Projected as a sixth/seventh-round pick coming into the event, Meinerz is making his case to be selected within the top-100 picks. Given the Chargers’ need up front, the team could benefit from Meinerz’s services.

OT James Hudson, Cincinnati

After not allowing a single sack and only giving up six total pressures this past season, Hudson has still gone under the radar. However, he’s making his case to be a solid mid-round selection come April. In the one-on-one drills, the former defensive lineman is showing off lower body athleticism, a wide base, aggressive hands and competitive temperament to stay square to rushers. Hudson’s technique is still a work in progress, but he has potential to be a high upside starter at tackle.

EDGE Elerson Smith, UNI

While Hudson and Meinerz shined, there were a few defensive linemen that got the most out of the guys up front, including Smith. Smith has all the necessary traits at the position; length, flexibility and athleticism. Today, he showed great usage to work inside of offensive linemen’s frames and the burst off the line of scrimmage. In 2019, Smith had 14 sacks, 22 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles. The 6-foot-7 and 255 pounder is a guy that’s likely going to go on Day 3, but will exceed expectations early on.

DL Cameron Sample, Tulane

If the Chargers want someone who can affect the quarterback from multiple alignments, Sample is the guy. Lining up outside and inside, Sample was in the backfield on a consistent basis. He came in at 6-foot-2 and 274 pounds, Sample was moving like a guy 30 pounds lighter. Sample showed great change of direction, explosiveness and quickness off the line of scrimmage and quick hands to clear his frame. Sample is a player who could rise into the top-100 picks.

CB Keith Taylor, Washington

I’ve mentioned before, head coach Brandon Staley covets good defensive back play in his system. Taylor, the 6-foot-3 and 195 corner is someone who could intrigue. At his best in zone coverage, Taylor has also shown a great understanding of technique and understanding of routes in man coverage, sticking to some of the top wideouts down the field. Taylor didn’t produce any interceptions in college, but while Taylor has inconsistent ball skills to create turnovers, he displays the athleticism, competitiveness and length to stay attached to receivers.

CB Aaron Robinson, UCF

Robinson was another defensive back who made some eyebrow-raising plays. Coming in at at 6-foot-1 and 193 pounds, Robinson locked up receivers in one-on-ones, playing tough and physical at the line of scrimmage to affect the release and timing of routes. He also showed the speed and hip fluidity to turn and run with receivers after the initial press. Overall, he was super sticky all day. Robinson has shown the versatility to play outside corner, nickel corner, strong safety and outside linebacker.

12 potential Chargers to watch during Senior Bowl week: Offense

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lists 12 offensive players in the Senior Bowl that could be on the Bolts’ radar.

The pre-draft process leading up into the 2021 NFL draft is headed to Mobile, AL, for the Senior Bowl. This event is one of the biggest college football all-star games that will feature the most prolific prospects in the country.

This week will draw the attention of many Chargers’ scouts, coach Brandon Staley, and general manager Tom Telesco to do their homework on players that could potentially be suitors for Los Angeles come April.

Last year this event brought in quarterback Justin Herbert, running back Joshua Kelley, safety Alohi Gilman and wide receiver K.J. Hill. The year before that the team found safety Nasir Adderley and linebacker Drue Tranquill.

It all starts with three days of practices and finally, the game on Saturday. I’ll be in attendance, constantly giving updates throughout the week.

With that being said, here are 12 players to keep an eye out on the offensive side of the ball.

OT Alex Leatherwood, Alabama

Leatherwood elected to return for his senior season, and was arguably the nation’s best left tackle. Leatherwood, a consensus First Team All-American and winner of the 2020 Outland Trophy, made 48 starts for the Crimson Tide with 13 of them coming at right guard in 2018. Leatherwood is an excellent blindside blocker who possesses a wide base, clamps as hands and the physicality to grow into a very reliable tackle or guard at the next level.

OT Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame

Notre Dame has done a fine job of producing quality NFL offensive line and Eichenberg is next in line. Arguably one of the most consistent left tackles over the past two seasons, on over 900 pass-blocking snaps in that span, Eichenberg allowed only 27 pressures. He possesses smooth movement skills, is strong at the point of attack, using physical hands to occupy pass rushers. A mauler in the run game, Eichenberg plays the game with a mean streak.

OT Spencer Brown, Northern Iowa

After starting 32 of 33 games, Brown decided to sit out of his final season due to the delay until the spring because of COVID-19. Towering at 6-foot-8 and 321 pounds, Brown has the combination of size, length and athleticism to thrive at the next level. The former tight end is a mirroring magician in pass protection and is an outstanding run blocker. He needs to develop more power and the finer details to the position, but he could end up being a steal.

OT Alaric Jackson, Iowa

Jackson put himself on the NFL radar dating back to his freshman season, starting at left tackle over Buccaneers’ Tristan Wirfs. Jackson suffered a knee injury that injured the majority of his 2019 campaign, but he took a major step forward in his final year. While he needs to get stronger and clean up his footwork and hands, Jackson has the length, reactive athleticism and run blocking prowess to become a high upside tackle at the next level.

OL Aaron Banks, Notre Dame

Playing next to Eichenberg, Banks started the last 30 games for the Fighting Irish at left guard. Banks allowed just two sacks in 844 snaps as a junior. The first-team All-American is a good-sized smooth-moving mauler as both a run blocker and pass protector who won’t lose many one-on-one battles. Banks has a mammoth body type with 330 pounds neatly packed on his frame, using his mitts like powerful vice grips to latch-and-control. Banks has the versatility to play both guard spots and even left tackle at the next level.

OL Quinn Meinerz, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Meinerz, the 6-foot-3 and 320 pound guard, is capable of being this year’s Ben Bartch (Jaguars), a former Division III player who gets drafted and plays a significant role in the NFL. The former high school state wrestler has extremely strong hands and does whatever it takes to finish his blocks as a run blocker. He has a really powerful anchor and sound technique in pass protection. Overpowering the small-school competition, Meinerz will have the opportunity to show that he’s capable of stymieing some of the top interior talent.

OL Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma

Humphrey started the final 26 games of his career, earning Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year honors for the second time this season. The 6-foot-5, 320-pound Humphrey earned second-team AP All-America honors in 2019. Humphrey isn’t the most athletic lineman, but toughness, instincts and consistency in pass protection and the run-blocking department are starter quality at center.

OT James Hudson, Cincinatti

Hudson, the first-team All-American Athletic Conference, didn’t give up a single sack this season and allowed just six total pressures at left tackle for the Bearcats, per Pro Football Focus. While his technique is still a work in progress, his lower body athleticism, wide base, aggressive hands and competitive temperament to stay square to rushers are NFL-ready.

TE Hunter Long, Boston College

Even if Hunter Henry is re-signed, the Chargers could afford to end a reliable and consistent No. 2 tight end. Long is a smart, willing blocker who shows athleticism in his routes, has very good speed, and chunk yardage creation after the catch, possessing the ability to be a monster off of play action. He finished his stint with the Eagles with 89 catches for 1,297 yards and nine touchdowns.

TE Tony Poljan, Virginia

Poljan played quarterback at Central Michigan, before converting to tight end. Upon making the positional change, he amassed 71 catches, 907 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Poljan has a large catch radius, soft hands, and enough speed to produce at the next level, but he will have to work on his blocking to become at a complete player.

WR Shi Smith, South Carolina

The Chargers have talent in the wide receiver room, but they could afford to get more explosive at the position. In his Gamecock career, Smith appeared in 42 games, posting 171 receptions for 2,176 yards and 13 scores. Smith is a crafty route runner who has the speed, quickness, and yards after the catch ability to be a solid contributor at the next level.

WR Tylan Wallace, Oklahoma State

After tearing his ACL in 2019, Wallace bounced back in a big way this past season, finishing the 2020 season as the leading receiver in the Big 12 Conference with 922 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games played. The 6-foot and 185 pound wideout has the natural speed and ease of movement to be a home run threat any time he touches the ball. He also possesses great leaping ability, constantly winning contested situations.

Watch: Cincinnati offensive lineman ejected for targeting foul

The rare offensive player ejected for targeting call in the Peach Bowl

The unusual has become commonplace in 2020. And this is definitely unusual.

Cincinnati offensive lineman James Hudson has been tossed from the Chick fil-A Peach Bowl against Georgia for a targeting foul.

Yep, an offensive lineman has been ejected and hit with a personal foul for a late hit.

The play was over when Hudson charged in and blasted one of the Bulldogs, earning him an early shower as the Bearcats try and finish a perfect season.