A Closer Look at the 2018 NFL Draft-Ready QBs, Including Mayfield and Rudolph

Don’t look now, but Mason Rudolph has just three (or maybe four?) games left in his college career. It’s winding down, and everybody knows it. Then it’s on to the NFL for No. 2. It’s insane to think about that. I was already four years (!) into running this site when Rudolph made his OSU debut. His debut! I’m old!

Anyway, Matt Bowen of ESPN recently broke down advanced tape of Rudolph, Baker Mayfield and the rest of the QBs who are going to come out next year, and I thought what he said was interesting. The entire article is part of ESPN Insider, but I wanted to show you the Rudolph (and Mayfield) stuff.

Rudolph

Here was what Bowen said Rudolph did well.

I see enough pop in his arm to challenge over the top or outside of the numbers. He can push the ball up the seam, and he shows good touch down the field. Plus, Rudolph has shown me he can attack tight windows. That comes from his ability to see coverages and anticipate small slices of daylight.

This GIF was provided as an example.

I would agree with most of what was said. And here is the bad … in addition to his lack of athleticism.

Scouts are also going to question the Cowboys’ run-pass option system that produces plenty of open windows for Rudolph to deliver the ball. There are a lot of targets running free. He misses those throws a little too often.

Don’t disagree with that, either. Bowen said Rudolph will probably end up being a 2-3 rounder.

This is a strong, experienced quarterback who has the makeup of an accurate pocket thrower in a progressive NFL route tree. Even if Rudolph puts up average numbers in testing, his size (6-5, 230 pounds) and ability to throw from inside the pocket will boost his overall grade. I see him as a second- or third-round pick.

Todd McShay, by the way, has Rudolph going at the end of the first round. Mel Kiper has him as the fifth-best QB overall behind Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield. Here’s McShay.

Rudolph improved upon a good 2015 campaign with a better 2016, throwing for more than 4,000 yards with 28 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He has the frame (listed at 6-foot-4, 233 pounds) and mental makeup that you look for, but his below-average arm strength is a concern. With 16 passing TDs to only four INTs, along with five rushing TDs, he has had an impressive start to the season. [ESPN]

Mayfield

Here’s what Bown said about six.

Mayfield jumps off the tape with a playmaking skill set, vision and the ability to make tight window throws. Although he doesn’t have a cannon for an arm, he has a quick release. That allows him to attack small creases in coverage. His pocket awareness is developing, and his eyes are always moving.

Bowen went on to note that size and OU’s insane offense could be negatives for Mayfield when it comes to the NFL Draft. He thinks he’ll go on the second day and play as a rookie.

I’m fascinated to see how all of this plays out. As with most pro leagues, I think so much success is dependent on which team you go to. Does Anthony Bennett flame out of the NBA if he goes to the Spurs? Maybe, but it’s not as likely, right? So hopefully Rudolph at least will go to a good organization, and who knows, maybe we’ll get our Bedlam redux at the next level with these two guiding teams in the same conference or same division.