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Rodney Hudson Majors in Recreation, Leisure and Putting a Hole in Somebody

When your line is this bad, you'll argue anything to stay out from under center.

More photos » Elaine Thompson - AP

When your line is this bad, you'll argue anything to stay out from under center.

It's the bye week and that has inspired laziness in me. I have three plans for this weekend: sit in my underwear, watch football and drink. I love the Seahawks, but the up and down can be tiring. I go into the bye week happy to have a week off and exit ravenous for Seahawks football. Nothing inspires like a hollow, but nevertheless piquant Monday after the bye hangover. God bless ritual.

So I am sitting here eying a copy of 'Confessions' I just found again and thinking about the lineup for Saturday and Sunday. In the spirit of taking it easy, here is the first in an annotated viewer's guide for a weekend off, starting today, not coincidentally.

The Guard that Completes the Seahawks: Tim Ruskell has become too easy. His process is so transparent that Doug and I both accidentally arrived at Seattle signing Jason Campbell without ever discussing it. Campbell doesn't get a chance to checkdown until Monday, but today, this very day, a player will play that Seattle will target if he declares.

Given the dire state of Florida State football, Rodney Hudson should and I assume will declare. Why should you care about Hudson? Because he is to the Alex Gibbs system what Steve Hutchinson was to the Mike Holmgren system. Ok, that's a stretch, but not as much as you might think. 6'2", 285 pound guards have not qualified as first round talent in over 10 years. The last slight mauler to attract first round attention was Pete Kendall in 1996.

The Dennis Erickson era is not remembered fondly by Seahawks fans and rightly. Erickson was neither exciting, new nor successful, has since coached a division rival, and a few Pac-10 foes (depending on your allegiance). Kendall was something he did right. Late first round picks sometimes produce Ray Lewis or Randy Moss, but with their talent you get the person, and it's a trade off that makes even the best case scenario a bit of a headache. More frequently, a late first round talent is a nine-tenths players. A player that looks like an NFL player and plays like an NFL players but has some nagging weakness that pushes him down.

Hudson is a converted left tackle that moves like a running back. I dare say I am as excited for Hudson as am I for any guard I have seen in the last three years. I had my thing for Justin Blalock, but I liked Blalock as a project. I had my thing for Sam Baker, but I liked Baker as a plug and play left tackle. I had my thing for Duke Robinson, but I say, if anyone has ever completely failed the pre-draft process worse than Robinson, his name is Maurice Clarett.

Hudson isn't about potential or pipe dreams or why the crap not use your fifth round pick to select him, he is about starting next year and completing Seattle's offensive line.

Here's why:

My preliminary scouting sees a short, but wide-framed guard-tackle tweener that will fill out gradually as he ages but never be big. He isn't shaped like a can like Mansfield Wrotto, but like a tight end. What excited me though, aside from the fact that he is a legitimate Ruskell target and was born by Alex Gibbbs in a laboratory, is this relatively little dude has judo strength. It's all quick unassuming movements and flying defenders. He moves, cuts, finishes and has the foot speed to lead a screen halfway down the field. He is nasty, not Incognito nasty, but Aaron Curry nasty. He drops foes and breaks bones and apologizes and offers a hand afterward.

You'll read a lot about Hudson needing to add weight, but what he needs is the right system. His weight and the league's perception of guards should push him into the second round. That has me excited. Maybe you will be too after watching him tonight. And if you do watch for Hudson, watch NC outside linebacker Bruce Carter. It is unlikely Carter declares this year, but he provides something as a cover linebacker that is deeply underappreciated in this league. He did this to our beloved quarterback of the future.

Star-divide

Nice throw, Mike.

The game starts at 4:30 Pacific on ESPN. I think Tim Ruskell does for the offensive line this offseason what he did for the wide receiver, tight end, running back and linebacker positions in offseasons past.

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So is he a guy we draft in the first?

Or is he a guy we take with our (assumed at this point) early 2nd round pick?

Bottom line, I want more than almost anything to improve the O Line this offseason. If it means reaching a little on a couple guys that are good fits, I’m cool with that. Lofa and Carlson prove that isn’t the worst theory in the world.

I still believe the game is won and lost in the trenches, and this is best exemplified by the fact that the greatest Hawk team of all time had one of the greatest lines of all time, and certainly the greatest Hawk line.

I think we’ve improved our D Line to where if we can re-sign guys and stay healthy, we’ve got a very good “upside” D Line, where we may not win every trench war, but we’ll win far more than we lose. If we could do the same with the O Line, the team can be competitive regardless of who is the signal caller and skill position guys.

Bird Law in this country isn't governed by reason.

by whiskey chainsaw on Oct 22, 2009 2:31 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

We didn't reach for Carlson...

He was projected as a round 1-2 guy all along. He could have been taken in the mid first and it wouldn’t have been a reach. We got him in the second.

by Kryten on Oct 23, 2009 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I said reaching a little... and I think we did "reach" a bit on Carlson.

Here’s why. We were panned for taking him while Fred Jackson? can’t remember his name, the USC guy was available in the first, and also Keller. We also traded up a little to get to him, right? Those are signs of reaching instead of taking who was regarded as the top guy.

But regardless, he’s proven more ready and able than the others picked earlier, and I don’t know that he was predicted as a round 1 guy, mainly just a solid round 2 guy. I know if you took him at say 18 (middle of round 1) when the UCS guy and Keller were both on the board, you would have gotten panned by Kiper, etc.

Bird Law in this country isn't governed by reason.

by whiskey chainsaw on Oct 23, 2009 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fred Davis

Link

[DELETED ZOMG NO POLITICS]

by bluemax on Oct 23, 2009 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks for heads up John

I appreciate the college player updates that you think will fit the Ruskell draft profile and system fit. I don’t watch much college football because I work the weekends so this info is nice to have.

I agree with your assessment of addressing the o-line. The only caveat is if the players are there and value he will pull the trigger.

by Fudwamper on Oct 22, 2009 2:32 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Even though he's pretty much the anti-fit for the Hawks oline..

Has anyone seen that Guard at Idaho? I think his name is Iaputi or something like that. Really impressive.

Resign Redding, Lucas, Tapp, Sims and Spencer. Sign Campbell, trade Hass to the Skins and Kerney for 3rds.

1a)Eric Berry

1B) Charlie Brown

2a) CJ Spiller/Jahvid Best/Jonathan Dwyer

grab a 3rd and draft Parrish Cox or Javier Arenas (though the peanut gallery will go crazy with another short CB)

by puerto on Oct 22, 2009 4:42 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

"(though the peanut gallery will go crazy with another short CB)"

With good reason.

Also, is Redding worth re-signing? He was brought in because he was supposed to be good vs. the run but as far as I can tell he’s been crushed several times on outside runs towards his edge.

And no way to Campbell. It isn’t Zorn’s fault that offense is piss poor.

Would love any of those backs in the second round, though.

"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 22, 2009 5:02 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Reply fail.

"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 22, 2009 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sheeyyt. Campbell fail.

Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer, Sam Bradford*.

by Misfit74 on Oct 22, 2009 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm really happy with Redding.

I’m very OK with not re-signing him, too. One concern would be the D-linemen we’d be sure to draft in the middle rounds as a result. Which obviously has its benefits but gosh I would just like a QB, a RB, a tackle, a safety and corner, another young wideout with gamebreaking potential…another RB. Don’t want him to get in the way of Red & Michael Bennett’s reps (once we bring him back like we did Forsett, eh?) or Jackson’s and Tapp’s, but if we could spend our resources this next year mostly on offense and the secondary, let this front seven juice for another year, I think I would prefer that to so many resources continuing to get poured into it, no matter it’s paramount placement in the organization’s strategies.

by jacobstevens on Oct 23, 2009 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Duke Robinson would have been really useful right now...

So is Hudson like Unger but stronger and smaller? Because I thought Unger fit a ZBS lineman to a T as well.

"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 22, 2009 5:04 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

This proves I am not a good evaluator

As I am thus far not much. He just got out on a screen play quickly and whiffed badly and feel on his belly

It is what it is...

by kidder95 on Oct 22, 2009 5:51 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

of course

now he pancakes his guy

It is what it is...

by kidder95 on Oct 22, 2009 5:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pancaked in an in-line situation or on a sweep?

"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 22, 2009 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

All in

It is what it is...

by kidder95 on Oct 22, 2009 6:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

out in space, I would say yes, but both were wiffs

that said, he really is good at picking up the stunts. I wonder if he can create push; or if that is even necessary in ZBS. I’m a newbie at ZBS.

It is what it is...

by kidder95 on Oct 22, 2009 8:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jesus

Fire Bowden. Just end it.

by John Morgan on Oct 22, 2009 7:08 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Fuck yes

Just had greasy KFC, time to watch him. Is he left or right guard?

"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 22, 2009 7:11 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

This guy is really mobile.

Effortlessly glides out. Although I suppose that’s what I’m supposed to be seeing from a sub-300 guard.

"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 22, 2009 7:20 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Mebane would rape him, though.

"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 22, 2009 7:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Although Mebane would probably kill any ZBS line

"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 22, 2009 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

What was it?

Went to nab a soda.

"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 22, 2009 7:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why was that not a touchback?

I thought if the momentum drives the player into the endzone it is a touch back .

Not that it matters now

by Fudwamper on Oct 22, 2009 7:36 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

He does seem small and quick

Locks onto his guy in pass pro, gets to his blocks quickly, moves VERY well in space, handles linebackers well, BUT, can he handle an NFL DT like Mebane, or will he be bull-rushed into oblivion? There is something comforting about massive O-lineman who can push the pile to ensure the TD when 4th and goal at the 1/2 yard line.

I suspect he could be part of Ruskell’s “plan” though. There is without doubt a 2-3 year plan. Draft picks are generally with made with a long-term view. Injuries don’t derail the plan. Locklear at left tackle for the foreseeable future with Frye as backup. Willis at right tackle next year with draft pick as backup. Unger at RG, Spencer at Center, Sims or a new guy (Hudson?) at LG. I don’t expect a left tackle early in the draft. Not Ruskell’s style. He wouldn’t have picked Walt. Overachieving, smallish, nimble cut blockers, typically available in the 2nd-4th rounds.

by diehard82 on Oct 22, 2009 7:42 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I fucking hate laptops.

My stream is even shittier than watching a Huskies game on NBC and I know it’s not the site’s fault.

"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 22, 2009 7:47 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

What an awesome block.

"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 22, 2009 7:50 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I haven't seen him in any mocks or big boards rated very high

Do you think it’s just his size, because the announcers are touting him as the best O-lineman on the team.

by diehard82 on Oct 22, 2009 7:50 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Truth

you are probably looking at bogus boards.

by John Morgan on Oct 22, 2009 7:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Second round pick, mostly due to size concerns.

If he keeps this up and the guard class continues to be be poor he might slip into the first.

"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 22, 2009 7:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Obviously considered the best G in the draft, though.

"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 22, 2009 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He looks his size.

But he doesn’t just keep defenders at bay, he crunches them backwards.

"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 22, 2009 7:51 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

If you are an official and LT is shouting F bombs at you

does that influence your penalty calling? I think it does.

by John Morgan on Oct 22, 2009 7:52 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Oh, THAT'S who that scary looking black guy is.

I thoght he looked familiar. I have the sound off.

"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 22, 2009 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I like how Hudson is really clean.

Not even a whiff of Locklear-esque uncalled holds. Good football.

"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 22, 2009 7:53 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Touchdown Ameritrade!

"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 22, 2009 7:53 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

One point

why bother. FSU..I have never seen worse coaching.

by John Morgan on Oct 22, 2009 7:56 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice execution

that makes a coach happy.

by John Morgan on Oct 22, 2009 8:02 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Is it more important to get push

or get the man on the ground in ZBS schemes?

It is what it is...

by kidder95 on Oct 22, 2009 8:06 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Push the man into the ground.

"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 22, 2009 8:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That question isn't framed in a way I can easily answer.

Push isn’t accomplished in the same way. Push is accomplished through double teams. So a player’s ability to get individual push isn’t that important.

Cut blocking is very important. Teams use it seal the backside and block on the run.

by John Morgan on Oct 22, 2009 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think so

I’m trying to differentiate between power at the point of attach versus a successful block in ZBS.

In traditional schemes, it is to turn or “push” your man such that you change the point of attach.

in ZBS, it seems to me, it is more important to turn or get the man on the ground.

Subtle, but changes my impression of Hudson from a run game perspective.

It is what it is...

by kidder95 on Oct 22, 2009 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

One way to look at it is

A power run game blows holes open and relies on the back to get yards after the hole.

A ZBS is liquid. The line attempts to create a long seam the back can run through not into the second level, but the third level. To accomplish that, they need to ooze out from the D’s weaknesses and trust the runner to read the seam and hit it hard. Instead of offensive linemen blowing open a hole, they are attempting to work together to move out collectively and continue to block in front of the running back as long as they can.

by John Morgan on Oct 22, 2009 8:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Much thanks for the input

I am impressed with Hudson. I would want to see him keep his feet and block a bit better in space. But I suppose that is a nit.

Thanks again!

It is what it is...

by kidder95 on Oct 22, 2009 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

No problem

I love talking football.

by John Morgan on Oct 22, 2009 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

feh

not lucid, intelligible.

by John Morgan on Oct 22, 2009 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Would you rathaer they bring up that dumb fuck Brian Billick?

That retard claims that he knows QBs who would rather take a sack than throw an incompletion so their QB rating wouldn’t drop. Mike Salk apparently holds Billick’s opinion in high esteem and made this a big issue filling in for Jason Smith last night on ESPN Radio.

"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 22, 2009 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Damn, what happened to NC defense

I’ll admit, I’m rooting for Carolina blue. Wow.

It is what it is...

by kidder95 on Oct 22, 2009 8:17 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Yes

although I went to Arizona. Here’s hoping my kids can get the 4.2 GPA to get in.

It is what it is...

by kidder95 on Oct 22, 2009 8:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Marvin Austin

It is what it is...

by kidder95 on Oct 22, 2009 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hear he is good

But I always think Balmer when I hear Austin’s name.

It is what it is...

by kidder95 on Oct 22, 2009 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The crowd boos

because the crowd is educated.

by John Morgan on Oct 22, 2009 8:22 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Well

I’m impressed. I think he drops though.

by John Morgan on Oct 22, 2009 8:31 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

You really think he'll come out.

Isn’t he a JR?

It is what it is...

by kidder95 on Oct 22, 2009 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think he will

this isn’t a strong class for guards, so he could be the first guard taken. FSU is bad and in transition, what does he have to gain from staying in?

by John Morgan on Oct 22, 2009 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sam Bradford.

"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 22, 2009 8:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Take a shot Yates

ghesh

It is what it is...

by kidder95 on Oct 22, 2009 8:35 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Basketball in a few weeks

Where’s Hansborough

It is what it is...

by kidder95 on Oct 22, 2009 8:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh shiat

you meant where Hansborough. More saki, please!

It is what it is...

by kidder95 on Oct 22, 2009 8:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's finding lost puppies...

and sitting on front porch steps.

Bird Law in this country isn't governed by reason.

by whiskey chainsaw on Oct 22, 2009 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, I came away impressed.

Hudson clearly looked like a pro talent among the usual college fodder.

"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 22, 2009 11:18 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

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