2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame

Kyle Rudolph– Tight End #9- Notre Dame

6-6 265lbs Junior

Stats:

2008 – 29 Receptions, 340 yards, 2 TDs

2009 – 33 Receptions, 364 yards, 3 TDs

Pros:

Has the measurements you look for in a TE. Catches the ball away from his body well and doesn’t let too many passes get into his frame. Uses his size and jumping ability to shield away defenders. Builds speed slowly, but has a high top end speed. Is a willing blocker.

Cons:

Doesn’t always give the best effort. This seeps into all aspects of his game. Should be dominate at his size with his skills, but disappears for series and even weeks at a time. Isn’t a great route runner. Is a willing blocker, but his effort and technique need polishing.

Game Thoughts: vs. Michigan

His game looks great on the stat sheet (8 catches, 164 yards, 1 TD) and he showed up big when needed, but he didn’t always give his best effort in a close game. It was very frustrating watching him because on some plays he looks like the best athlete on the field (Denard Robinson is on the sidelines, so he doesn’t count) and then the next he is jogging a route or lunging into a bad block. On one play late in the second, with still a touchdown difference, Rudolph was called to run a shallow crossing route. He rounds off the route and jogs five steps into the middle of the field before turning his head around to look for the ball. Had he run the route and turned to his quarterback after his break, he would have been wide open in the middle of the field with a linebacker one on one behind him. A match-up he should win, but instead he didn’t put the effort in and the QB had to scramble and throw it incomplete. Of course, he later goes and out sprints the Michigan secondary for a 95 yard touchdown. Doesn’t redeem himself, but shows what he is capable of if he ever gets some consistency to his game.

Projected Round:

Late first if he comes out this year, has the best chance to be the first tight end drafted.

Video is from his Freshman year