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Former Bearcats Offensive Tackle James Hudson III a key Piece in Browns' Playoff Hopes

The right tackle started for an injured Jack Conklin against the Baltimore Ravens.

CINCINNATI — James Hudson III is the next man up in Cleveland as the Browns push for an AFC North title. The former Bearcat offensive lineman is the Browns' new starting right tackle after Jack Conklin went down for the year with an injury.

The rookie didn't blow away the Baltimore Ravens front seven with his performance in Cleveland's 24-22 win on Sunday, but he held up just enough. According to PFF, Hudson finished with a 44.5 overall grade. That was second-worst on the Browns offensive line, and his team-low 28.7 run-blocking grade played the biggest part.

NFL teams don't pay tackles for great run blocking; they pay them for how well they protect the quarterback, and Hudson was much better on that front. He finished his 65 snaps with a 65.2 pass-blocking grade, including two pressures allowed and no sacks given up.

This game was Hudson's second NFL start after filling in for an injured Conklin in Week 6. He has appeared in eight games for the Browns this season and holds a 44.3 overall PFF grade. Cleveland is in a war with five other AFC teams at 7-6; wins against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals over the final month of the season would give them a strong chance to capture the AFC North.

They'll be relying on the former UC mauler to slow down pass rushes along the way. Hudson and the Browns face Las Vegas this Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET on NFL Network.

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