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Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

Dec 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) throws a pass in the first quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes during the 2016 Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) throws a pass in the first quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes during the 2016 Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oklahoma State’s Mason Rudolph is a big-armed quarterback prospect who is absolutely in the mix to be a 1st round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Mason Rudolph has the basic tools evaluators look for in a quarterback prospect. He has excellent size, a powerful arm and solid mobility. Rudolph also possesses a feel for the position, good mechanics and poise.

Many will point to the fact that Oklahoma State runs a spread attack and try to pigeonhole Rudolph as a system quarterback. However, he makes NFL throws and flashes the ability to go through his progressions.

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Rudolph is balanced in the pocket tying his eyes, feet and shoulders to his target. He remains calm if his first target is covered and will go across the field to find an open receiver.

This balance plays a key role in Rudolph’s accuracy and ball placement. He routinely throws his receivers open which allows them to maximize their yards after the catch. His good accuracy extends to sideline throws and 9-routes.

Rudolph generates a lot of zip on his passes. This shows up on sideline routes and when he needs to squeeze into traffic over the middle. Again, these throws often arrive in front of the receiver where they can catch the ball in stride.

This isn’t just a flamethrower, as Rudolph knows when to take something off his throw and get some loft. He does a great job allowing his receiver to run under the football on 9-routes. Rudolph has also done a great job utilizing the back-shoulder throw.

He is a poised quarterback who will side step the rush or climb the pocket. Rudolph routinely shows his toughness by standing tall in the face of pressure.

Despite the fact he operates out of a spread attack, Rudolph is much more polished than one would expect. He plays with good fundamentals and possesses a feel for the position. Rudolph will have some adjustments to make, but is more NFL ready than the typical spread quarterback.

It’s his combination of arm strength, sound technique and accuracy that really stands out. He’s facing some tough competition, but Rudolph has a shot to be the 1st quarterback taken in the 2018 NFL Draft.

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