We proceed scouting the 2026 NFL Draft draft class of the Dallas Cowboys by wanting on the undrafted free brokers. At present we’re taking a look at extensive receiver Jordan Hudson from SMU.
WRSMU Mustangs Senior4-star rating6’1”191 lbs
Jordan Hudson was a blue-chip recruit and ranked twelfth total within the 2022 class. He had a well-documented dedication saga that included a previous Oklahoma dedication earlier than finally signing with TCU.
In his freshman yr, Hudson performed in 14 video games and led TCU freshmen in receiving manufacturing with 14 catches for 174 yards and three touchdowns. His season included a pair of touchdowns in opposition to Iowa State and two catches for 34 yards within the CFP semifinal win over Michigan, and he flashed early with a five-catch, 76-yard recreation vs. Tarleton.
He transferred to SMU and appeared in all 14 video games, posting 30 receptions for 425 yards and 7 touchdowns, tying for the group lead in receiving touchdowns. The standout recreation within the group got here at Temple the place he had six catches for 82 yards and two touchdowns, and he had a season-long 67-yard catch versus Louisiana Tech.
In 2024, his position continued to broaden and he had 39 catches, 422 yards, and 5 touchdowns throughout 14 video games. His prime single-game line was seven catches for 99 yards and a landing in opposition to Boston School.
In his fourth yr fourth yr he turned the Mustangs’ featured goal and produced profession highs with 61 catches, 766 yards and 6 touchdowns in 11 video games, incomes All-ACC Third Group honors. His signature moments had been big-game, high-leverage outings with video games the place he had 11 receptions and 131 yards versus the quantity ten ranked Miami, and 131 yards with a 70-yard landing within the win at Clemson.
605 Offensive Snaps85 Targets61 Receptions766 Receiving Yards79 Rec YPG6 Complete TDs390 YAC4 Dropped Passes16 Missed Tackles Forced35 First Downs93.8 Passer RTG When Targeted3 Penalties
Total- 52.1Speed- 63Acceleration- 60Agility- 59Strength- 60Catching- 68Ball Monitoring- 87Route Working- 70YAC Expertise- 73Blocking- 48Discipline- 86
Savvy short-to-intermediate separator Glorious spatial awarenessThrottles down effectively in gentle spots, adjusts to timing, and makes himself pleasant on scramble drillsGood ball monitoring and focus on deeper targetsCompetes effectively on the catch pointQuick toes after the catch Exhibits to be a troublesome receiver who can work site visitors areas and play via contactShows good willingness and energy to dam Lacks true NFL top-end Doesn’t persistently shake tight man with out assist and struggles to separate soloHe’s extra build-up than sudden on exhausting stops and sharp breaksRole projection is slim together with his restricted dimension and athleticism Doesn’t supply a lot separation insurance coverage play after play He can monitor the ball, however and not using a clear second gear, he might battle to persistently get on prime of NFL cornerbacks to pressure security rotationNot an enormous special-teams résumé
Hudson’s greatest NFL match is as a big-slot receiver who wins on look routes, deep overs, crossers, slot fades and play-action photographs, ideally with movement to maintain him off heavy press and let his pacing and ball monitoring do the work.
On the Cowboys roster, that position places him squarely within the back-end roster battle. With a number of depth items already in entrance of him probably the most lifelike projection is as a WR6 competitors piece, with the most definitely early end result being follow squad except he clearly outplays the veteran depth at camp.
Jordan Hudson shouldn’t be a one-trick burner, however a well-rounded goal who retains incomes extra accountability. At SMU he grew right into a featured possibility by 2025, exhibiting the traits that translate within the NFL with managed pacing into routes, the power to seek out area in opposition to zone, and sufficient toughness on the catch level to win in the midst of the sphere. His greatest snaps come when he’s allowed to work as a big-slot sort, the place he can use tempo and physique positioning to separate after which flip upfield with environment friendly YAC somewhat than counting on pure twitch. He’s productive, he tracks the ball effectively on verticals and deep overs, and he has the competitiveness to play via contact and preserve making performs late in video games.
The questions are extra about ceiling than ground, it’s whether or not he has the uncommon gear and suddenness to persistently separate from NFL corners with out assist, and whether or not his route tree can broaden past what he was requested to do most frequently in faculty. Put him in an offense that makes use of movement, stacks and layered route ideas to get him free releases, and Hudson appears like a dependable backup who can transfer chains, hit explosives off play-action, and be a gradual, coach-friendly piece within the rotation.
CONSENSUS OVERALL RANKING
