Stats: Coming out of high school Rudolph was rated as the nations best tight end and a USA Today All-American. Rudolph was the first tight end in Notre Dame history to start every game as a freshmen.
Freshmen yr: 29 rec, 340 yards, 2 td's
Sophomore yr: 33 rec, 364 yards, 3 td's
Junior yr: 28 rec, 328 yards, 3 td's
Rudolph only played in 6 games this past season but made his presence felt in those games. In only 2 games did Rudolph register less than 5 catches. His best game came in week two against Michigan when he exploded for 8 catches for 164 yards and a touchdown. The question with Rudolph is durability, in 2009 he missed three games with a shoulder injury and this past season he missed 7 games with an evulsion in his hamstring(basically a tear).
Analysis:
Hands: Rudolph is a reliable receiver who will move-the-chains and make plays down the field. He does a good job of keeping his hands in front of his body when he goes up for balls. Able to reach the ball forward with one hand for scores or first downs. Has the ability to make the circus catch in traffic and he adjusts much better to high passes than those thrown low or behind him. The downside is he is known to drop some easy passes.
Route running: When you watch Kyle Rudolph you will notice that he runs like a receiver, stretching the field vertically and pressing safeties. He will also line up with his hand down, in the slot and in the backfield. Often used on short outs to move the chains. Gets his head around quickly to see the ball. Sells jerk routes with head fake to move safety inside or outside, though his movements are not sudden. Tough matchup down the seam because of his height and ability to grab passes above his head. Runs a lot of rounded and straight-line routes.
After the catch: A bullish runner, who gives good effort to get yards after the catch. He is not in the Vernon Davis category in terms of athleticism, but he does show flashes of ability to make the first man miss with a stiff arm or quick stop. Churns his legs to keep moving forward after contact; does not break as many tackles as you would expect and his height makes him lose the leverage battle.
Blocking: Has the size to be an effective in-line blocker at the next level. Capable of firing off the ball to seal defensive ends. Widens his base on the edge, uses long arms to hold off college defenders. Needs a lot of technique work as an open-field blocker. Gives some effort when engaged, but does not sustain or win battles as often as he should given his size. Stays too upright when approaching defenders and seems uncertain of his target, misses the inside man too often.
Projection: Early-mid second round pick. Think of Rob Gronkowski in terms of skill set. Matchup nightmare in the pass game but needs a lot of work in the blocking department if he is to become a complete tight end.
It's hard not to like Rudolph's incredible combination of size and athleticism, or the versatility of the offenses he's played in in college. The only real question about Rudolph is whether or not he's been overhyped because of how weak the tight end class, or if he's simply the cream of the crop.
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