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Raiders draft countdown: Rodney Hudson is best No. 61

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Mark Hebert | Last updated Feb 21, 2026 9:24 AM ET

Sixty-one days remain until the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pa., April 23-25, 2026. After a 3-14 season in 2025, the Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick as this daily countdown continues through the franchise’s best players by jersey number.

Today, Feb. 21, the number is 61.

Rodney Hudson, No. 61

Rodney Hudson is the pick for No. 61 because he gave the Raiders elite center play the moment he arrived. From 2015-2020, he was the steady voice and the steady snap that kept the offense on schedule.

Hudson played 92 games for the Raiders and started all 92. That ironman run is the separator for this number.

Rodney Hudson on the screen peeling back looking to seal off the backside pursuit. Put the DB on his back twice in the same play #Raiders pic.twitter.com/tBIpMTdPkt

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) September 11, 2017

Why Hudson gets No. 61

No. 61 has solid names, but Hudsons Raiders stretch is the cleanest. He combined availability with top-level performance in the middle of the line.

He also brought proven leaguewide recognition. Hudson was a three-time Pro Bowl selection in his career, and his Raiders seasons were a major part of that reputation.

Draft and background

Hudson was born July 12, 1989, in Mobile, Alabama. He played at B.C. Rain High School in Alabama before starring at Florida State.

The Kansas City Chiefs drafted him in the second round, 55th overall, in 2011. Later, he became the Raiders starting center and never missed a start during his six seasons with the team.

Other notable No. 61s

Stefen Wisniewski, 2011-2014
Gerard Warren, 2007-2009
Jordan Meredith, 2022-2025

Career check

Hudson gave the Raiders exactly what you want at center: every-week reliability and high-end play. With 92 starts in 92 games, No. 61 belongs to him.

Next up tomorrow: No. 60.

Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!

Dice City Sports editor Mark Hebert covers the Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, Athletics, and UNLV baseball and softball. He has 24 years of journalism experience, is also a senior reporter at Exhibit City News, and previously covered the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers. Follow him on X or connect on LinkedIn.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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