Hudson Card’s journey from a high school star to an NFL prospect is a testament to his perseverance and love for the game
While his college career didn’t follow the script many envisioned, he’s taken every challenge in stride and continued to pursue his dreams.
Hudson Card’s journey from high school stardom to collegiate struggles highlights the unpredictable nature of football careers.
While his lack of productivity raises doubts about his NFL future, his pocket presence, accuracy, and dual-threat ability offer a glimmer of hope.
For teams willing to gamble on his potential, Card represents a low-risk, high-reward option as a developmental quarterback.
Whether he finds success at the next level will depend on his ability to refine his game and seize every opportunity that comes his way.
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Table of Contents
Hudson Card’s Journey: From High School Star to NFL Prospect
Hudson Card’s High School Rise
Hudson Card’s journey began in Austin, Texas, where he quickly gained recognition as a top-tier quarterback.1
As a standout at Lake Travis High School, Card showcased an exceptional ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver accurate throws.
His talent earned him a place among the nation’s top-100 recruits in the class of 2020. Major college programs across the country pursued him, but Card chose to stay close to home and play for the University of Texas.
Early Challenges at the University of Texas
Card’s arrival at Texas came with high expectations. However, the quarterback room in Austin was highly competitive, and Card’s career with the Longhorns never fully took off.
Over three seasons, he played sporadically, throwing for 11 touchdowns and two interceptions.
Despite his flashes of brilliance, Card found himself unable to secure the starting role consistently. This lack of playing time and opportunities prompted him to seek a fresh start.
The Decision to Transfer: Choosing Purdue
In 2023, Card entered the transfer portal. He had multiple options, but he ultimately chose Purdue over Illinois, which had signed University of Mississippi transfer Luke Altmyer.
Purdue’s offensive coordinator at the time, Graham Harrell, presented an appealing vision for Card.
Harrell’s air raid offense promised an aggressive passing attack tailored to Card’s strengths as a pocket passer. This new chapter offered a chance to revitalize his career and showcase his potential on a bigger stage.
The Purdue Years: Highs and Lows
Card’s tenure at Purdue was a mixed bag. Over two seasons, he threw for 24 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
Despite moments of promise, the Boilermakers struggled under head coach Ryan Walters, who faced challenges in building a competitive program.
The 2024 season, in particular, was a low point, as Purdue finished with a dismal 1-11 record. The offense often sputtered, and Graham Harrell’s departure as offensive coordinator added instability to the team.
While the overall results were disappointing, Card had moments that showcased his potential. His ability to make difficult throws under pressure and his leadership on the field earned him respect from teammates and coaches.
However, Purdue’s lack of consistency and support around him made it difficult for Card to maximize his impact.
Hudson Card: Announcing for the NFL Draft
Despite the challenges, Card’s determination and resilience remained unwavering.2
After completing his college eligibility, he announced his decision to declare for the NFL draft. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Card shared his gratitude and optimism:
“I’m super thankful for my time at Texas and Purdue and all the relationships I’ve built. I wouldn’t trade my journey for anything, and I’m grateful for all of the lessons I’ve learned. I will be pursuing my dream of the NFL and look forward to what’s to come!”
Card’s announcement marked the beginning of a new chapter in his football career, one filled with both uncertainty and opportunity.
I’m super thankful for my time at Texas and Purdue and all the relationships I’ve built. I wouldn’t trade my journey for anything and I’m grateful for all of the lessons I’ve learned. I will be pursuing my dream of the NFL and look forward to what’s to come!
— Hudson Card (@Hcard7) January 31, 2025
Evaluating Hudson Card’s NFL Potential
As Card transitions to the next level, NFL scouts and teams will closely evaluate his strengths and areas for improvement.
Let’s break down what he brings to the table:
- Arm Talent: Card has a strong and accurate arm, capable of making throws at all levels of the field. His quick release and ability to deliver on-target passes make him a valuable asset in a pass-heavy offense.
- Football IQ: Card’s ability to read defenses and make smart decisions under pressure is a testament to his high football intelligence. He’s shown he can adapt to different offensive systems.
- Leadership: Throughout his college career, Card’s resilience and positive attitude stood out. He’s earned the respect of his peers and coaches, making him a potential locker room asset.
Areas for Improvement
- Consistency: Card’s college performance was marked by inconsistency. He’ll need to prove he can perform at a high level week in and week out.
- Mobility: While Card isn’t immobile, he’s not known for his running ability. Developing his escapability and extending plays will be crucial for his success in the modern NFL.
- Handling Adversity: Playing for struggling teams at Texas and Purdue exposed Card to adversity. While he’s shown resilience, proving he can elevate his play regardless of circumstances will be key.
Hudson Card: The NFL Combine
A Crucial Opportunity
Card’s path to the NFL will hinge heavily on his performance during the pre-draft process, particularly at the NFL Combine.3
This event will provide him with a platform to showcase his skills in front of scouts, coaches, and general managers.
What to Expect
- Throwing Drills: Card’s accuracy, arm strength, and mechanics will be under the microscope. A strong showing here could elevate his draft stock.
- Interviews: Teams will want to assess Card’s mental makeup, work ethic, and ability to process information. His articulate and thoughtful nature should serve him well in these settings.
- Athletic Testing: While not a dual-threat quarterback, Card’s athleticism will be evaluated to determine how well he can adapt to the faster pace of the NFL.
Comparisons to Other Quarterback Prospects
Card’s draft projection will depend not only on his individual performance but also on how he compares to other quarterbacks in the 2025 draft class.
While he may not be in the conversation with top-tier prospects, his experience and skill set could make him an intriguing mid-to-late-round pick.
Potential Fits in the NFL
Several NFL teams could benefit from adding a quarterback like Hudson Card to their roster. Teams in need of a developmental quarterback with upside may view him as a valuable addition. Potential landing spots include:
- Green Bay Packers: With uncertainty surrounding their future quarterback situation, Card could provide depth and competition.
- Atlanta Falcons: As they continue to build their offense, Card’s skill set could complement their existing weapons.
- Las Vegas Raiders: A team looking for a young quarterback to groom might take a chance on Card’s potential.
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Hudson Card: Scouting Report
Hudson Card’s NFL aspirations face significant challenges, yet his potential shines through in key areas.
Despite limited collegiate productivity, the former Texas Longhorn and Purdue Boilermaker has shown traits that might intrigue NFL teams looking for a developmental project.
This report dives into Card’s background, strengths, weaknesses, and potential fit in the league.
Strengths
1. Pocket Presence:
One of Card’s standout traits is his ability to remain calm under pressure. He demonstrates a good feel for the pocket, maneuvering subtly to buy time while keeping his eyes downfield.
This composure is a valuable trait for an NFL quarterback, as the speed of the game only intensifies at the professional level.
2. Accuracy:
Card consistently delivers an accurate ball, particularly in the short-to-intermediate passing game.
This precision allows receivers to maintain their stride and maximize yards after the catch, an essential skill for executing quick-hitting NFL offenses.
3. Progression Reading:
Unlike many young quarterbacks who lock onto their first read, Card shows an ability to work through his progressions.
This indicates a level of mental processing that NFL scouts often prioritize when evaluating developmental quarterbacks.
4. Dual-Threat Capability:
Though not an elite runner, Card has the athleticism to extend plays and pick up yards on designed runs.
This dual-threat ability makes him a potential fit for offenses with mobile quarterbacks, such as those run by teams like the Baltimore Ravens or Chicago Bears.
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Weaknesses
1. Lack of Collegiate Production:
Card’s career statistics leave much to be desired. Over his time at Texas and Purdue, he failed to consistently deliver big performances or take control of games.
NFL teams may view this lack of productivity as a red flag, questioning whether he can elevate his play when it matters most.
2. Arm Strength:
While Card’s arm is serviceable, it’s not a standout trait. He struggles to drive the ball on deep throws, which could limit his ability to attack tight windows at the next level.
In the NFL, where defenses are faster and more disciplined, this deficiency could become a significant obstacle.
3. Inconsistency Under Pressure:
Although Card has good pocket presence, his performance under duress can be erratic. He’s prone to rushing throws when the pocket collapses, leading to missed opportunities and occasional turnovers.
4. Questionable Durability:
Card’s physical resilience has come under scrutiny due to minor injuries during his collegiate career.
While he hasn’t faced a significant long-term injury, NFL teams may question his ability to withstand the physical toll of a 17-game season.
Hudson Card: College Career in Review
Texas:
Card began his collegiate career at the University of Texas, where he entered as one of the most highly-touted recruits in his class.
Despite flashes of potential, he was unable to secure the starting job long-term, often losing out to more consistent performers.
His struggles at Texas were encapsulated by a lack of impactful games and an inability to lead the team during pivotal moments.
Purdue:
Seeking a fresh start, Card transferred to Purdue for the 2023 season. While the change of scenery offered new opportunities, his statistical output remained underwhelming.
Purdue’s offense failed to click under his leadership, and Card’s inability to elevate the team’s performance mirrored his challenges at Texas.
NFL Draft Outlook
According to most mock drafts, Hudson Card projects as an undrafted free-agent prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.
While his raw traits may earn him an invite to training camp, his lack of collegiate success makes him a risky investment.
Teams that do take a chance on Card will likely do so based on his high school pedigree and flashes of potential rather than proven performance.
Potential NFL Fits
The Ravens’ offense under Lamar Jackson thrives with mobile quarterbacks who can operate in a run-heavy scheme.
Card’s dual-threat ability makes him an intriguing option as a developmental backup who could emulate Jackson’s style in practice.
Justin Fields’ mobility is central to the Bears’ offense, and Card’s skill set could make him a viable backup option.
His ability to extend plays and operate in an RPO-heavy scheme aligns with Chicago’s offensive philosophy.
The 49ers have a history of developing quarterbacks with diverse skill sets. While Card lacks elite traits, his accuracy and progression-reading ability could make him a fit in Kyle Shanahan’s quarterback-friendly system.
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