What are your thoughts on Kyle Rudolph, TE from ND

[gritzblitz]

For the past few years we have scouted some of the top TE prospects entering the draft but have not pulled the trigger. Kyle Rudolph would be considered the top TE if he declares himself eligible in 2011 draft. With the possibility of TG mentoring one of the top all around TEs in the country, do you think TD will pull the trigger in 2011 on Rudolph. If drafted, the TE position could be retained as a viable pass option in our offense.

However, Rudolph is expected to go in the 1st Round. Assuming we do not acquire a FA TE in the offseason, do you think we would use our 1st round selection on him.

Personally I think there is a chance we would. I'm not saying he is our clear cut first candidate but I believe he would be one of only a handful of players we would consider drafting late in 1st Rd. Factors influencing our decisions would be FA TE acquisition possibilities or other college position players availability in the draft.

gb

[bossFALCON™]

i'd rather have one of the top WRs but i've watched every college game rudolph's played in. he's for real and i'd definitely like to have him on this team

[gritzblitz]

i'd rather have one of the top WRs but i've watched every college game rudolph's played in. he's for real and i'd definitely like to have him on this team

Agree Boss, I would like to have him on the team but we may have more substantial needs than TE to use our 1st pick on him. If we drafted him I would not be upset.

Edited August 24, 2010 by gritzblitz

[atljbo]

I brought Kyle Rudolph up earlier during the offseason... I definitely think he will get a look....If Gonzo retire... I def think he will get a really good look.

TD has shown allot of interest in both of the top TE's in the last 2 drafts

[A-TowN.-]

Like jbo said, if Gonzo retired, which is pretty likely IMO, we should take him. The TE class is weak after the first two rounds and I think there's a high chance we take a chance on him and a WR in round 3, and OT or DE in 2. I can only dream

[Smiler11]

The 2011 FA TE class is potentially the strongest in years, with players like Vernon Davis, Antonio Gates, Zach Miller, Owen Daniels all hitting FA. If TG retires, then I think we should get one of these guys. Zach Miller would be my choice, as he is still relatively young and IMO one of the most complete TE's in the league.

After Kyle Rudolph, there isn't a lot at the TE position in the 2011 draft.

[NFL Draft Fan 07]

Gates just signed an extension for what it's worth, and he got the most money ever for a TE. So he won't be available.

It's rare to grab a great player with no strings attached in FA. Even with Turner there was the question of whether or not he would be as good in a full-time role versus a situational role. Getting Owen Daniels would leave the injury question lingering for example. Plus rarely does a "great" FA class actually end up hitting FA. All that means is that the opportunity is greater that at least one of them will change teams, not that they will all hit FA and a bidding war will commence.

Rudolph would definitely warrant consideration in round 1 if Gonzo retires, but I'm hoping he won't so he can mentor whoever we bring in for one year and teach him some of the tricks of the trade before he sails off into the sunset.

[A-TowN.-]

Gates just signed an extension for what it's worth, and he got the most money ever for a TE. So he won't be available.

It's rare to grab a great player with no strings attached in FA. Even with Turner there was the question of whether or not he would be as good in a full-time role versus a situational role. Getting Owen Daniels would leave the injury question lingering for example. Plus rarely does a "great" FA class actually end up hitting FA. All that means is that the opportunity is greater that at least one of them will change teams, not that they will all hit FA and a bidding war will commence.

Rudolph would definitely warrant consideration in round 1 if Gonzo retires, but I'm hoping he won't so he can mentor whoever we bring in for one year and teach him some of the tricks of the trade before he sails off into the sunset.

Good points. The only other options from Rudolph are FA TE Zach Miller and Kendricks, the TE from Wisc. Other than that I believe Palmer is just as good as any other TE after the first couple rounds.

[Smiler11]

Gates just signed an extension for what it's worth, and he got the most money ever for a TE. So he won't be available.

It's rare to grab a great player with no strings attached in FA. Even with Turner there was the question of whether or not he would be as good in a full-time role versus a situational role. Getting Owen Daniels would leave the injury question lingering for example. Plus rarely does a "great" FA class actually end up hitting FA. All that means is that the opportunity is greater that at least one of them will change teams, not that they will all hit FA and a bidding war will commence.

Rudolph would definitely warrant consideration in round 1 if Gonzo retires, but I'm hoping he won't so he can mentor whoever we bring in for one year and teach him some of the tricks of the trade before he sails off into the sunset.

I didn't know Gates had signed. Anyway my point is there are a number of potential FA TE's about, Kevin Boss and Tony Sheftler are other examples. Obviously not all will hit FA, but some will. I don't see much quality in the draft at the TE position, other than Rudolph, and I doubt we use our 1st round pick on a Junior TE. Therefore I suggest we try and pick one up in FA, or I think we'll stick with what we've got. Peele is serviceable, and Peek and Palmer look promosing.

[NFL Draft Fan 07]

I would LOVE to get Lance Kendricks here, especially if Tony stayed for another year after this one. I think Kendricks is the real deal. I have been a huge fan of his since I saw him play live last year against Iowa I think. They were running reverses with him. Not with Gilreath, a supposed returning phenom, not with Nick Toon, but with Kendricks, their #2 TE. That made me dig deeper on him, and he had his best game of his career on a big stage against Miami with 7 catches and well over 100 yards. He dominated them.

If we managed to get Kerrigan and Kendricks that draft would be amazing.

[gritzblitz]

I think if we could get any combination of these guys in the first two rounds, it would be a heck a draft in my opinion:

DE Romeus or Kerrigan

TE Rudolph or Kendricks

Not sure how it would have to play out but would love to start the draft out this way. Any 2 of these guys and I would be happy.

After Rudolph and Kendricks not too excited about any of the other college TEs; DEs seem to be a little deeper.

Edited August 27, 2010 by gritzblitz

[A-TowN.-]

I would LOVE to get Lance Kendricks here, especially if Tony stayed for another year after this one. I think Kendricks is the real deal. I have been a huge fan of his since I saw him play live last year against Iowa I think. They were running reverses with him. Not with Gilreath, a supposed returning phenom, not with Nick Toon, but with Kendricks, their #2 TE. That made me dig deeper on him, and he had his best game of his career on a big stage against Miami with 7 catches and well over 100 yards. He dominated them.

If we managed to get Kerrigan and Kendricks that draft would be amazing.

Yeah that'd be a stellar draft. Throw in Little or Shorts at WR and I'd be the happiest guy. Prob need an OT somewhere along the line. I used to have Beal as my fab DE but the more I watch the more I see him as the Ideal 3-4 OLB. And he plays standing up a lot from what I've seen on some games. I mean he could do a RE in our system but not LE, Brandon Graham was an exception as a shorter guy but I just see Beal as more of a finese DE. But back to TEs, you were right about Kendricks, he reminds me of a the TE in Dallas named Bennett.

[gritzblitz]

Yeah that'd be a stellar draft. Throw in Little or Shorts at WR and I'd be the happiest guy. Prob need an OT somewhere along the line. I used to have Beal as my fab DE but the more I watch the more I see him as the Ideal 3-4 OLB. And he plays standing up a lot from what I've seen on some games. I mean he could do a RE in our system but not LE, Brandon Graham was an exception as a shorter guy but I just see Beal as more of a finese DE. But back to TEs, you were right about Kendricks, he reminds me of a the TE in Dallas named Bennett.

Agree A-town regarding the need for WR and OT with the next picks. Playing around with my mocks I have 3rd Rd Wr as Shorts ( Mt Un) or Brown (S Miss) and 4th Rd OT as Carpenter (Ala), Cannon (TCU) or Reynolds (BYU)...some draft sights have Reynolds going higher, some don't.

[A-TowN.-]

Agree A-town regarding the need for WR and OT with the next picks. Playing around with my mocks I have 3rd Rd Wr as Shorts ( Mt Un) or Brown (S Miss) and 4th Rd OT as Carpenter (Ala), Cannon (TCU) or Reynolds (BYU)...some draft sights have Reynolds going higher, some don't.

That would be solid man. Cannon is a big boy at RT but there is a lot of talent at OT this year in the first 4 rounds. I like Shorts, Brown from Southern Miss is good but haven't seen much seperation during route running. I like Vincent Brown from SDSU, and Shorts is great too. We need a playmaker and game changer at WR.

[gritzblitz]

That would be solid man. Cannon is a big boy at RT but there is a lot of talent at OT this year in the first 4 rounds. I like Shorts, Brown from Southern Miss is good but haven't seen much seperation during route running. I like Vincent Brown from SDSU, and Shorts is great too. We need a playmaker and game changer at WR.

Yep, a playmaker to help relieve some of the burden from Roddy would be great. Someone who could stretch the field. Shorts, at this point, is my clear cut favorite WR projected in Rd 3.

I think we are set pretty good for slot receiver in HD and if Meire comes back we will have medium route, sure hands receiver....plus Gonzo or Rudolph/Kendricks if it works out that way. Smiler mentioned Zach Miller as a TE FA, that would be a good option as well.

[A-TowN.-]

Good points. But don't sleep on Michael Palmer. He is looking sharp!

[gritzblitz]

Good points. But don't sleep on Michael Palmer. He is looking sharp!

You are right there A-T. Palmer looks promising. Will see how much of need TE will be by the end of the season. Quite frankly I like Palmer...if he is smart he will follow Gonzo around like a puppy.....

Edited August 29, 2010 by gritzblitz