The Chiefs are apparently most interested in providing for quarterback Matt Cassel with their NFL Draft chips in 2011. Their second round choice, Rodney Hudson, only helps to solidify the interior of an offensive line that showed signs of age as the season wore on, and combined with last year’s choice of Jon Asamoah, helps to give the Chiefs a solid future there.
The Florida State product was widely heralded as one of the top available interior linemen in the draft. He’s a probable center with plenty of starts over four years who is also versatile enough to play some guard. Nearly every draft pundit has Hudson in a zone blocking scheme and note his high football intelligence as an asset. Specifically, Mocking the Draft says the following:
Hudson has a bright future in the NFL but he needs to land on a team that will utilize his skill set. He is not the ideal candidate to land with a power running team. Hudson would fit with a team that employs a zone scheme that will allow him to engage and turn the defender. He has the versatility to play either guard or center but he may be more valuable at the center position. His football IQ and solid technique is what will make him a successful pro.
The Chiefs grabbed Jon Baldwin, wide receiver from Pitt in the first round, to give Cassel another outlet in the passing game, and now Hudson fits to better protect up the middle along the line. The Chiefs quarterback has to feel better knowing the Chiefs are continuing to invest in his, and their, success.