Notre Dame tight end Kyle Rudolph is tentatively expected to be a late first- to early second-round selection, although his draft stock is hard to gauge. Due to hamstring surgery, Rudolph didn’t work out until the Irish’s April 7 Pro Day. He generated little media buzz during the Senior Bowl, Combine, and heart of the Pro Day period.
So maybe Rudolph will go in the middle of the first round. Two reports Thursday suggested it’s a definite possibility.
Citing “two NFL types” not affiliated with the media, the Miami Herald reported that Rudolph is high on the Dolphins’ draft board and legitimately in the conversation for the 15th overall pick.
Tony Pauline of SI.com and TFY Draft Insider had this to add:
“St. Louis Rams looking hard at Kyle Rudolph. ... Several offers on the table to trade down, then grab him.”
Rudolph is considered an NFL-ready player with excellent pass-catching skills and plenty of blocking potential, so it shouldn’t surprise anyone if he goes in the teens.
Other rumors have connected Rudolph to the Giants at 18 and Falcons at 27.