As OTAs approach, the rookie minicamp that concluded last week has ushered in a wave of fresh young talent eager to earn a place on the Dallas Cowboys. Among these promising athletes is a local star from DFW who also played college football in Dallas. This standout player is Jordan Hudson, a Garland native who attended SMU and made a name for himself as a boundary X receiver for the Mustangs.
The receiving corps is packed with talent, featuring CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, late-round 2024 discovery Ryan Flournoy, and more. The competition this year is set to be intense; if Hudson aims to secure a spot on the 53-man roster, he must truly excel.
Jordan Hudson Pro day measurements
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 191 pounds
Arm Length: 31 1/8 “
40-yard dash: 4.58 seconds
Vertical Jump: 32″
20-yard split: 2.57 seconds
10-yard split: 1.63 seconds
Broad Jump: 10’00”
Games Watched: vs Boston College, vs Miami, and vs Louisville
Strengths
Hudson’s film against Miami immediately shows his consistent ability to pluck the ball out of the air in heavy traffic. He possesses elite body control, showing a natural knack for contorting his frame mid-flight to secure the tough catch. This ultra-competitiveness is woven into his playstyle; he clearly wants the ball in his hands on every snap and plays with a visible edge that dictates the tempo of the matchup.
Beyond the initial catch, his YAC ability on screens and hitches shows real promise that he could become a reliable, high-volume chain-mover. He’s a fighter who keeps his legs churning for extra yardage, using quick shiftiness to make defenders miss in space. Perhaps most impressively for a receiver under 200 pounds, he’s a gritty, willing blocker who doesn’t shy away from contact. Ultimately, he checks every box for a prototypical boundary X receiver, wrapped in a tall, lanky frame that creates constant mismatches.
Weaknesses
While Hudson displays solid speed and suddenness, his ability to create consistent separation remains a work in progress. There are far too many instances on film where defenders are glued to his hip pocket, forcing him to rely on his length to bail out the play. In the NFL, living on a contested-catch island is a dangerous game that often leads to pass deflections or interceptions if the timing isn’t pinpoint.
To thrive at the next level, he’ll need to refine his route tree and technical nuance. While he doesn’t possess elite, top-end burners, he can compensate by sharpening his breaks and using that natural suddenness more efficiently. If he can bridge the gap between his physical traits and his technical execution, he’ll see a significant jump in his ability to shake defenders and create cleaner windows for his quarterback.
Where does he fit on the Cowboys?
Hudson is entering OTAs with a deep and talented wide receiver group that includes both veterans and rookies. To secure a spot on this roster, he will need to showcase his skills as a YAC (yards after catch) player, a reliable contested catcher, and a tough blocker. Most importantly, he must be open to contributing on special teams, especially given the current structure of the team, where he might be eying a WR5 or WR6 position. Nevertheless, with his grit, competitiveness, and consistency, he has a good chance to seize an opportunity that comes his way if he makes the team, potentially leading to a role in the offense.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Local Cowboys UDFA has shot to shock, win roster spot with elite trait
Reporting by Kenneth Ball, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
