Oakland Raiders: Grading Out the Free Agent Class So Far
By Kevin Saito
October 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs center Rodney Hudson (61) blocks San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Ian Williams (93) during the third quarter at Levi
For a little while there on the first day of free agency, Hudson looked like he was going to be the centerpiece of the Raiders’ 2015 free agent class. Not that it would be a bad thing necessarily.
Given the fact that Stefen Wisniewski had been Oakland’s center for the previous four seasons, his play had declined over the last two. He was graded out as a lower middle of the pack center, but he was apparently looking for a payday higher than his ranking. McKenzie was unwilling to give it, so Wisniewski was allowed to walk.
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To take his place, McKenzie signed Hudson to a five-year, $44.5 million dollar deal. It seems like an exorbitant amount of money to pay a center, but Hudson has been graded to be near the top of the league at his position. And to get that sort of talent, you are going to have to pay for it.
Hudson is young, but will provide leadership. He’s strong, physical, and excels in both pass blocking and opening holes for the running backs.
As the anchor for Oakland’s offensive line, his presence makes that unit better. He’s an upgrade over Wisniewski, and can be a foundation for the line for some years to come.
And even better, the Raiders being able to lure Hudson away from the Chiefs weakens a division rival. Call it a bonus.
GRADE: A
Next: Dan Williams