Oakland Raiders Free Agent Acquisitions By the Numbers
November 17, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs center Rodney Hudson (61) blocks Denver Broncos defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson (99) during the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chiefs 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Rodney Hudson – Center:
Rodney Hudson is a guy I had my eye on since the talks of Wiz potentially (and inevitably) being let go began a few months ago. To be quite honest, I never expected him to end up in Oakland, and I’m incredibly excited he did. Hudson’s a dramatic improvement over Wiz in every aspect of the game. Let’s break it down, I’ll start with Wiz. (all stats from Pro Football Focus)
Stefen Wisniewski
- Overall Rank Among Centers: 22nd
- Overall Grade: -2.5
- Pass Protection: -5.6 (22nd overall)
- Run Blocking: +3.5 (19th overall)
- Screen Blocking: +1 (11th overall)
- Pass Blocking Efficiency: 3rd with a 98.1%
Rodney Hudson
- Overall Rank Among Centers: 3rd
- Overall Grade: +13
- Pass Protection: +4.2 (3rd overall)
- Run Blocking: +4.7 (16th overall)
- Screen Blocking: +2.5 (1st overall)
- Pass Blocking Efficiency: 2nd with a 98.5%
Hudson instantly upgrades the entire offensive line, with his far superior pass protection skills, Derek Carr should be given a better chance to flourish. In every measurable category by PFF, Rodney Hudson is a an upgrade to Wiz, and would be an upgrade to 30 other teams in the NFL. Wiz’s pass blocking efficiency was very very good, but I think that number gets padded a little bit due to Derek Carr’s ability to prevent himself from getting sacked. Wiz gave up 16 total QB pressures (total of sacks, hits and hurries on the qb) while Hudson only gave up 11. That alone should have Raiders fans excited about the upgrade they are getting under center.
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