Kobe Hudson | UCF 6’1” 193 lbs. 09/11/2002 (22)
Kobe Hudson went undrafted during the 2025 NFL Draft. He signed with the Carolina Panthers as an UDFA.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Year | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Yards/Catch | TDs |
| 2020 (FR) | 11 | 7 | 70 | 10.0 | 0 |
| 2021 (SO) | 12 | 44 | 580 | 13.2 | 4 |
| 2022 (JR) | 12 | 39 | 641 | 16.4 | 7 |
| 2023 (SR) | 13 | 44 | 900 | 20.5 | 8 |
| 2024 (SR) | 12 | 47 | 770 | 16.4 | 4 |
Hudson began his collegiate career suiting up for the Auburn Tigers in 2020 and 2021. As a true Freshman, he played in 11 games as a reserve, hauling in seven receptions for 70 yards. Hudson took a major step forward in 2021, leading the team with 44 receptions for 580 yards and four touchdowns. After the season, he posted on his Instagram that he was kicked off the team, but later deleted the post. There was uncertainty as to why he left the program, but he ultimately landed a roster spot on UCF’s squad. Hudson picked up right where he left off, leading the team in receiving touchdowns (7) while also hauling in 39 receptions for 641 yards. In 2023, he took another step forward, earning Honorable Mention All-Big 12 Conference honors (44 receptions, 900 yards, eight touchdowns). During his final collegiate season, Hudson earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 Conference honors again, producing 47 receptions, 770 yards, and four touchdowns.
FILM
STRENGTHS
Outside receiver who shows great size and frame for a prototypical pro wide out. Displays natural acceleration and lateral quickness to beat press coverage schemes. Sudden breaks, twitchy feet, and has a knack at separating on curls and slants. Above average skillset when it comes to tracking deep, down the field throws. Slippery with the ball in his hands, as he often breaks off arm tackles and pulls away from defenders after the catch. Displays solid strength and willingness to get physical as a run blocker on the outside.
WEAKNESSES
Too many concentration drops, especially when working through the middle of the field. Waits for the ball to come to him rather than working back to the pass to avoid contested catches. Below average catch rate when the throw is outside of his frame. Runs too upright, limiting his speed and explosiveness at times. Needs to improve his route running abilities, as he too often rounds out some of his more complex routes (noticeably on out routes).
ATHLETIC TESTING
At the NFL combine, Hudson measured in at 6’1” and 193 lbs, which equates to a BMI of 24.9. He ran a sluggish 4.57-second 40-yard dash (44th percentile), equating to an 88.5 speed score (33rd percentile). Hudson also displayed a 120.5 burst score (45th percentile), an 11.6 agility score (14th percentile), and a college dominator score of 30.4 percent (55th percentile).
Hudson doesn’t show any elite traits, and he didn’t perform that well at the NFL Combine. His 4.57-second 40-yard dash placed him 33rd out of 39 wide receiver participants. He recorded a 1.54-second 10-yard split (tied for 27th), a 35” vertical (22nd), and a 122” broad jump (tied for 23rd). His biggest red flag is his below-average athleticism overall as a pro prospect.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Surprised he went undrafted
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Good
Hudson went undrafted and signed a UDFA contract with the Carolina Panthers.
It’s going to be tough for Hudson to make the 53-man roster in Carolina, but he has a legitimate chance. Ahead of him on the depth chart are players like Tetairoa McMillan, Adam Thielen, and Xavier Legette. McMillan is the big splash rookie from this year, and Legette is the splash first-rounder from last year. With Thielen going into his age-34 season, who knows if he will be on this team long-term? That leaves Hudson battling with rookie sixth-rounder Jimmy Horn Jr., second-year pro Jalen Coker, and veteran David Moore for a spot on the roster.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Hudson received a seventh-round grade from me before the draft, and I had him as the 24th-ranked wide receiver in this class.
Hudson should go undrafted in your rookie drafts but is worth a flyer in deeper league formats, as he could turn into a decent taxi squad stash. Outside of the Panthers trusting McMillan and Legette, there are no guarantees that any of the other receivers on the roster will have larger roles than Hudson. This is a talented player who has every opportunity to develop into a good pro. If you believe in him, stash him on your deep rostered taxi squad and see what happens.
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