Grading the Cardinals six biggest roster acquisitions in 2021
By Sion Fawkes
Rodney Hudson – C
Rodney Hudson was fools gold, according to PFF, who ranked him 30th out of 40 centers with a 57.4 grade. Following the trade for Hudson, the Cardinals shipped Mason Cole to the Minnesota Vikings. Cole finished with a PFF grade of 69.7, ranking him 13th out of the 40 centers.
However, Hudson struggled during an injury-plagued 2021 campaign. So that’s one reason he may deserve a mulligan for 2022. Per AZCardinals.com, PFF graded him at 93.6 in the pass blocking department since 2015. In that span, he allowed only three sacks.
Should Hudson Stay?
Yes, but with an asterisk. Keep Hudson around and mark this year up as an outlier, given his past production and durability. However, he’s also at the age where it shouldn’t surprise anyone if the Cardinals cut him during training camp as one of those “surprise” roster moves, especially if they target offensive linemen in free agency and the draft.
2021 Grade: D
Hudson did not look good in 2021. However, injuries took their toll, so he’ll get a chance to redeem himself in July and August.