2018 Cardinals Draft Prospect: QB Mason Rudolph

2018 Cardinals Draft Profile

Name: Mason Rudolph

Twitter: @Rudolph2Mason

Position: Quarterback

School: Oklahoma State

Height: 6-foot-5

Weight: 235 lbs

Projected: 2nd-4th round

Stats:

Bio:

Mason Rudolph is a large man. Standing at 6’5” and roughly 235 lbs, the Oklahoma State quarterback certainly looks like an NFL starter. As a high school senior he threw for 4,377 yards and 64 touchdowns to just eight interceptions. He was a finalist for South Carolina’s Mr. Football award that season. He played three games as a true freshman due to an injury to the OSU starter, helping them beat rival Oklahoma. As a senior he won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm and Sammy Baugh Awards. He also was named to the second-team All-Big 12.

Team Fit:

The Cardinals need a quarterback but sit at the 15th pick in the first round. They likely lack draft capital to move up, therefore no chance of Sam Darnold or Josh Rosen. They may just be slightly out of reach for the other top guys. Rudolph is someone who the Cardinals could draft in the second or third round and have sit for a year. Just like Lamar Jackson, Rudolph is a bit rough around the edges but put up big numbers in college. The OSU quarterback stands tall in the pocket and is willing to make throws downfield. He is best suited for a downfield attack and can use his play-action skills to be successful in the NFL. The Cardinals will need to work on his footwork and lower body while throwing the football. Selecting Rudolph would be safe, although uninspiring move for the Cardinals at quarterback.

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Strengths:

Rudolph has ideal size for what many look for in an NFL caliber quarterback. That size allows him to see over the offensive line and throw over the top. Throws deep ball well with good touch and placement. Moves well in the pocket to avoid rush and create passing lanes. Not afraid to attack safeties and put ball just behind linebackers. Stands tall in the pocket and will take a hit to get rid of the football. Allows his receivers to run under the football and make plays. Does an excellent job to keep his eyes downfield when moving around the backfield. Will let routes develop downfield in order to let receivers pass through traffic. Ran some read-option near the goal line which offers an extra wrinkle.

Weaknesses:

Struggles with footwork delivering the football, often over-striding. Does not have a very strong arm which may be an issue when trying to fit the football in front of safeties. Lack of arm strength will cause issues with tighter windows. Will need to work on anticipation to throw receivers open. Will need to work on out routes and comebacks, specifically his timing and placement. Struggles with accuracy when scrambling. Ball will sometimes float due to a lack of leg drive while making the pass. Offense did not require play calling and also simplified reads.

– Ryan Adverderada is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Cardinals. Like and follow on Follow @ryanadverderada Follow @Cardinals and Facebook.