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2018 NFL Draft: Mason Rudolph must address system concerns

By Maxwell Ogden

STILLWATER, OK - NOVEMBER 7 : Quarterback Mason Rudolph #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys looks to throw against the TCU Horned Frogs November 7, 2015 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Cowboys defeated the Horned Frogs 49-29. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
STILLWATER, OK - NOVEMBER 7 : Quarterback Mason Rudolph #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys looks to throw against the TCU Horned Frogs November 7, 2015 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Cowboys defeated the Horned Frogs 49-29. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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Mason Rudolph is one of the most divisive figures in the 2018 NFL Draft. Concerns about the system he played in continue to surface.

As the 2018 NFL Draft nears, general managers are discovering that there’s a thin line between addressing a need and making a move out of desperation. That’s no more true than at quarterback, where franchises consistently reach for players who may not quite justify the selection.

One prospect who’s attempting to prove that he’s worth reaching for is Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph.

Rudolph is the prototype at quarterback with a big and thick frame, and a strong enough arm to make the necessary throws. He’s also a spread offense quarterback who’s attempting to make a difficult transition to a more traditional system.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com, scouts and executives are concerned that Rudolph’s play within a spread offense won’t translate to a more traditional scheme.

"“There’s so much spacing. Sure, you’ve got to have the accuracy to get it there, but I don’t think you get guys that are that open at this level.”“How much ball does he know?” another NFC scout said. “Because that scheme has made a lot of guys look really good.”"

Fair a concern as that may be, there’s a precedent to spread offense quarterbacks making a successful transition to the NFL.

Sam Bradford, Jimmy Garoppolo, Nick Foles, Jared Goff, and Case Keenum are examples of players who played college football in what was essentially an Air Raid system. Foles and Keenum met in the NFC Championship Game in 2018, which certainly aids Rudolph’s cause.

As the NFL continues to diversify its passing offenses, players like Rudolph are granted more opportunities to prosper.

The question is: Will Rudolph be able to follow in the footsteps of his Air Raid predecessors who have become quality NFL players?

Rudolph certainly offers reason to be intrigued as an accurate passer who can put the ball exactly where it needs to be. At 6’5″ and 230 pounds, he also has the size and pocket presence to stand tall in the face of a heavy pass rush.

It’s also worth noting that Rudolph was given the privilege and responsibility of being able to audible at the line of scrimmage.

Must Read: Should the Minnesota Vikings utilize the NBA Draft or free agency to find a quarterback?

If Mason Rudolph successfully makes the transition, we may have to alter the way we look at spread offense quarterbacks in the NFL Draft.

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