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2018 NFL Draft: Ranking the top five eligible quarterback prospects

By Sayre Bedinger

PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at the Rose Bowl on November 11, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at the Rose Bowl on November 11, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys celebrates after a touchdown by Dillon Stoner #17 (not pictured) during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field on September 16, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys celebrates after a touchdown by Dillon Stoner #17 (not pictured) during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field on September 16, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

5. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State

Let me start this off by saying to all of you Oklahoma State fans — I am not anti-Mason Rudolph just because I have him ranked fifth on this list.

Over the past three seasons, Rudolph has seen an increase in completion percentage, yards, yards per attempt, and touchdowns. He — incredibly — has thrown just 22 interceptions with over 1,300 career attempts.

This guy has been incredibly productive, takes care of the football, and does a good job of making plays to all levels of the field…

…even if he is bailed out at times by some incredible plays by his receivers, particularly James Washington.

When I watch Rudolph play, I see a smart quarterback, and a fiery competitor with an ability to move around in the pocket and extend plays with his legs when he needs to. I don’t think he has the type of velocity you will see in other guys on this list, but that hasn’t slowed this kid down when it comes to making plays to every part of the field as a passer.

Rudolph is just that — he’s one of the best passers in this year’s draft.

He’s been refining his craft in a pass-heavy offense which scouts may knock him for, but I think he’s going to impress NFL coaches as a leader and obviously his statistical prowess speaks for itself.

Rudolph, to me, is going to be a very good ‘consolation’ prize of sorts in this year’s draft. I don’t know what offense exactly he projects best in, but with what Bruce Arians has gotten out of quarterbacks in recent years, it seems he would be able to maximize his abilities and skills, and the Cardinals will be picking in the right part of the first round to land him.

I won’t pigeon-hole him to just one team, though. I think we’ve seen players come from pass-happy offenses like Rudolph is running in recent years and have some success in the NFL. I think he’s going to be a good player at the next level.

Projection: 1st round

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