Dolphins could pick Okla. St. quarterback in second round
Barring a bold trade, the Dolphins won’t have a shot at quarterbacks Sam Darnold or Josh Rosen in the first round of the NFL draft.
And if the Dolphins use the 11th overall pick on a position of greater need, they would pass on quarterbacks Josh Allen or Baker Mayfield, if available in that spot.
But the Dolphins do need to add a quarterback. And if Mason Rudolph of Oklahoma State is on the board in the second round, it could prove very tempting. Rudolph possesses size, accuracy and a soft-spoken confidence.
“I think you look at my career, my production, my consistency, my ability to throw the ball down the field, accurately, like no one else in this class,” Rudolph said last month at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. “And I think my character and the way I carry myself. My values speak volume for who I am and what I’ve done. I think I look at myself and I stack myself up against the best in the class.”
Rudolph has prototypical size, measuring taller than 6-foot-4 in Mobile. And he has accuracy (63.2 percent completions, 92 touchdowns and 26 interceptions in four seasons in Stillwater). Rudolph was unable to play in the Senior Bowl because of an ankle sprain but said he plans to throw at the NFL scouting combine this week in Indianapolis.
One concern about Rudolph would be that he stood out in a spread scheme that has seen former Big 12 standouts such as Brandon Weeden, Geno Smith and Blaine Gabbert fail to replicate their college success in the NFL.
“I am my own person,” Rudolph said. “There is stuff to back that up, I guess. Guys like RGIII (Robert Griffin III). (Ryan) Tannehill has had a pretty good career. Weeden got in a tough situation and kind of bounced around. But I think you’ve got to separate. (Patrick) Mahomes is a great example of trending upwards last year. I think Baker (Mayfield) and I will continue that this year.”
Scouts’ opinions seem to vary widely on Rudolph’s skill set and potential.
According to an ESPN scouting report: “Rudolph doesn’t have a cannon for an arm and he occasionally holds onto the ball too long plus he’ll have to adjust to a pro-style offense and dropping from under center far more frequently. On the other hand, he’s a poised leader in complete control of the offense with three years of starting experience and an NFL frame. He’s accurate with above-average touch throwing from within the pocket, (and) he has enough arm strength to succeed.”
According to an NFL.com scouting report: “(Rudolph) does a good job of letting routes develop and wide receivers clear traffic. Slides in pocket for clean launch points and is rarely a static target for rushers. Keeps eyes trained downfield when sliding around pocket. Got rid of the ball quicker and cut his sacks this year.”
While Mayfield is a brash, boisterous leader, Rudolph has been more of a lead-by-example type.
Mayfield is smaller and quicker while Rudolph has decent athleticism, but is more of an under-center, play-action passer.
Rudolph said that he would be more than willing to back up a veteran such as Tannehill if that’s how the draft played out.
“If I have to play Day 1, I’d love to do that,” Rudolph said. “I am a competitor. I’d love the chance to lead a team in the NFL. If not, to sit behind a guy like Tannehill or (Philip) Rivers or something like that would be awesome. I think there would be a lot of good to come from that to learn the system and gain knowledge from the starter, a veteran like that.
“I’m still going to compete my butt off and be ready for when my time comes. Knowing that I’m only a couple of plays away, one play away. I think we’ve got to prepare like a starter. But at that same time, respect the guy that’s there. Understand that you’re the new guy. And you’ve got to earn the respect of your teammates.”