2021 NFL Draft: James Hudson III is an exciting, but raw project
What is NFL Draft outlook of James Hudson
Given Hudson’s inherent athletic abilities, ceiling and some of the technical things he already does well, it’s likely he could be an ideal project player that gets drafted on late two to early day three of the 2021 NFL Draft. His movement skills would be perfect for zone blocking teams, so expect that fit to be common in the draft discussions going forward.
Hudson’s athleticism can be eye-popping at times on film, and his physicality is also an added bonus for those who like their lineman to have a certain edge to them. He does some nice things in regards to hand placement and making adjustments late in the down.
However, he still has plenty of room to grow as a pass protector in terms of timing, and trying to limit any over sets or misreads. There is also plenty room for him to fill out his build by adding more mass and strength insofar that it doesn’t hurt his movement skills. Hudson will likely have to sit for a year or two before he can become a full time starter in the NFL.
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Unfortunately for Hudson, the 2021 NFL Draft class is a bit stacked at the tackle position. So given his level of rawness, he may find himself as a forgotten player in a class that already possesses a number of highly touted players at the position. Joe Marino of The Draft Network puts it best:
"“Hudson may not be a contributor early in his career but has the makings of being a starter by Year 3. Despite notable room for growth, Hudson shines when it comes to the “developmental offensive lineman” label and he could pay big dividends for the team that is willing to draft and develop him.”"
Conversely, it could be that athleticism and higher ceiling is what gets him drafted on day two somewhere. As many are well aware, the NFL Draft is a highly unpredictable practice where just about anything can and will happen.