2017 NFL Draft Stock Report: Heisman candidates falling

Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State: Stock Up

Despite many not considering Rudolph to be a top NFL prospect, his performance against Texas was fairly impressive. The junior threw for just shy of 400 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions. He also ran for a 10-yard touchdown in the second quarter and took the Cowboys into the locker-room at halftime with a 12 point lead over the Longhorns.

Two of Rudolph’s passing touchdowns were for over 50 yards, while the the second was for 36 yards to Jalen McCleskey.

Several factors will play into whether or not Mason Rudolph will be considered a legitimate NFL prospect. One is that he plays in the Big 12 where he does not have to learn defenses or line-up under center. We’ve seen Jared Goff struggle with that coming out of an “air-raid” style offense, while Carson Wentz coming out of a pro-style offense has picked up the NFL much faster.

The most recent quarterbacks to be drafted out of the Big 12 have been Bryce Petty, Geno Smith, Landry Jones, Brandon Weeden, Ryan Tannehill, Robert Griffin III, and Blaine Gabbert. Not exactly exclusive company you would like your name to be linked to.

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Issues that you see in Rudolph on the field range from his accuracy, pocket awareness, and ability to read through progressions. Nearly every ball Rudolph throws is high, whether it be to the receiver in the flat or 50 yards down field. Despite having excellent athleticism, Rudolph doesn’t recognize pressure or pick it up when he’s looking down the field. That comes with having little experience reading defenses and being carried along by the coaching staff. When Rudolph goes into Jon Gruden’s Quarterback Camp, Gruden will grill him on play-calling and recognizing defenses.

Someone will draft him as a project, but that’s all he ever will be.