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Raiders’ 2020 player projections: Can Rodney Hudson be unseated as best player?

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Who is the top newcomer, and who am I most excited to watch?

NFL: Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos
Rodney Hudson, Derek Carr
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

I occasionally like to swipe good ideas from my great colleagues at SB Nation. Today, I’m picking the pocket of Kyle Posey, our crack Niners Nation lead writer, here.

Here are several categories for the 2020 Raiders’ roster:

NFL: Pro Bowl-AFC Practice
Rodney Hudson
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Best player: Rodney Hudson
It may not be overly exciting that a team’s best player is the center, but the truth is Hudson has, indeed, been the Raiders’ best player the last couple of seasons. He is a smart, reliable anchor to the offense.

Perhaps next year, my answer will be running back Josh Jacobs or defensive end Maxx Crosby. But, for this season, it’s still Hudson for me.

NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams
Cory Littleton
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Key New Addition: Cory Littleton
Littleton was the Raiders’ free-agent prize. He is their best, most complete linebacker in years. If we see a fast turnaround on defense, Littleton will likely be a key reason why. He is good in coverage and against the run.

NFL: Preseason-Oakland Raiders at Arizona Cardinals
Johnathan Abram
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Takes a Leap: Johnathan Abram
We have a lot of great choices but I’m going with the 2019 first round pick who didn’t even play a full game last season before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. The safety looked good in his limited action — he is a heady player, who wants to be great. He’ll be fun to watch develop.

NFL: Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos
Derek Carr
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Prove it year: Derek Carr
No surprise here. Carr is the key to it all as the team has been built around him. It’s all up to him.

NCAA Football: Alabama at Auburn
Henry Ruggs
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Most excited to watch: Henry Ruggs III
I imagine Jon Gruden staying up late into the night, watching film of his first draft pick and scribbling into his playbook, the sublime speed of the rookie wide receiver will be a big part of this offense right away.

Give me your choices in the comment section.