Roster analysis: Casey Rabach, Will Montgomery and the future at center

[Dirtbag59]

I would personally love to see the team use a second round pick on Rodney Hudson (C, Florida State). Scouting report makes him sound like a great fit for this offense. Personally he reminds me of Ryan Kalil who's probably my favorite Center in todays NFL.

Either way I think Center is going to be en vogue this offseason a la LT last offseason.

Rodney Hudson
OFFENSIVE CENTER
88
SCOUTS GRADE
Grading Scale
1 = EXCEPTIONAL 2 = ABOVE AVERAGE 3 = AVERAGE 4 = BELOW AVERAGE 5 = MARGINAL

Production -1 - 2007: (13/10) Nine starts at left guard, one at left tackle. 2008: (13/13) Starts every game at left guard. 2009: (11/11)

Height-Weight-Speed - 3 - Lacks ideal height but is thickly-built and well-proportioned. Has a lot of sand in his rear yet moves very well on tape.

Durability - 2 - Had a streak of 31 consecutive starts broken by a knee sprain against Wake Forest in 2009.

Intangibles - 1 - A team leader. Leads by example. Hard worker on and off the field.

Pass Protection -1 - Plays with great awareness and communicates well with center and tackle. Plays with a wide base, is a natural knee bender, can sink hips after initial contact and anchor versus powerful bull rushers. Has quick feet and does a nice job of mirroring and sliding. Moves feet after contact and generally plays with very good balance. Does not have explosive initial punch but has adequate upper-body strength and uses hands very well.

Run Blocking -1 - Knows his assignments, does a great job with his first step and takes excellent angles as a run blocker. Almost always in good position, drives his legs after initial contact and works hard to finish. Lacks elite size and strength but consistently gets movement as a run blocker.

Awareness - 1 - Excellent awareness in both pass protection and the run game. Does a great job of passing off defenders before picking up the stunt, twist or delayed blitz. Keeps his head up and on a swivel. Always looking to give extra help.

Toughness - 2 - Is a solid finisher. Great effort. Stamina is outstanding for the position. Mentally and physically tough.