Rising Star

One of the few decent aspects of the three day draft format is the period of reflection and projection between the first two rounds. After the first round of this past draft I targeted several offensive linemen and safeties. Those were the Vikings most pressing needs in my opinion. One player that was not an immediate need that truly stood out was Notre Dame tight end Kyle Rudolph. He should never have made it out of the first round. I had him going to the Saints in the very first Flea Flicker mock draft. I'm ecstatic that my mock was wrong. The Vikings made Kyle Rudolph their pick in the second round.

The Vikings have had several good tight ends in their history. Joe Senser, Steve Jordan, Jim Kleinsasser and Visanthe Shiancoe have all been very good football players for the team. Kyle Rudolph has the look of a player that will soon become a star. A player that other teams have to scheme against. At 6'6" and 260lbs, he's a huge tight end with an incredible catch radius. He catches the ball extremely well. In the past preseason game against Seattle he caught a pass from Donovan McNabb that was off target, behind him below his knees. It wasn't an easy catch for any receiver. It was a very difficult catch for someone 6'6". Rudolph made the catch easily and smoothly transitioned into a ball carrier. He made a difficult play look routine. Rudolph has all the natural skills to be great. Maybe more importantly, he also has the drive and work ethic to be even better.

The Vikings 2011 Draft will always be judged by the performance of Christian Ponder. It's just the nature of a QB-driven league. Ponder and Rudolph bonded early and easily. They each have a similar drive to excel. Their future success will be forever linked. As will the Vikings success. Ponder's time to shine will wait as Donovan McNabb has the keys to the offense this year. Rudolph's time to shine is now.