Las Vegas Raiders: 15 greatest offensive linemen in franchise history

Best offensive lineman in Raiders history: 9. Rodney Hudson

The Raiders’ franchise improved drastically the day that Rodney Hudson was signed as a free agent. In the 2015 NFL offseason, the Raiders signed Hudson to a hefty five-year, $44.5 million contract.

The move was terrific for two reasons. First, the team upgraded its offensive line by signing one of the premier centers in the league. And second, they stole him away from a hated division rival in the Kansas City Chiefs.

Hudson has been incredible since joining the Silver and Black. He is a leader and spends a ton of time in the film room, and it translates on the field. Hudson is one of the top centers in the NFL as it stands. It does not seem as though that is going to change. He’s been arguably the team’s best player leaving Kansas City for the Bay Area.

Since joining the franchise in 2015, Hudson has earned two PronBowl nominations (should have been three). He is a monster, especially in pass protection. In 2017, Hudson only gave up one pressure in over 200 pass snaps. And in 2016 and 2017 combined, he did not allow a sack or hit. That is incredible.

His run blocking is not incredible, but with big guards next to him, that factor can be limited. Nobody outworks Hudson, and with his insane preparation and clear connection with Derek Carr, the Raiders could return to the playoffs sooner than later.

At the end of it all, he could find himself higher on this ranking. Hudson is undoubtedly one of the better free agent acquisitions in franchise history, as the Raiders have clearly gotten him in his absolute prime as a perennial Pro Bowl center.