QB SCOUTING REPORTS - qb3 Mason rudolph, oklahoma st

There have been very few QBs in the history of college football that have matched or bested the career success of Mason Rudolph at Oklahoma State. In three full seasons as a starter, Rudolph set fire to the school record books becoming the most prolific passer in program history, leading the Cowboys to a 30-9 record including two bowl wins and finishing his career ranked 11th all-time in NCAA passing yards. Despite these accomplishments, the OSU legend is probably the fourth-most historically significant college QB in this stacked class and has had a surprising lack of hype surrounding him in the pre-draft process.

PROS

Very strong deep ball passer. Uncanny ability to judge proper trajectory and distance for downfield throws. Can make any throw on the field when rhythm and mechanics line up, even if his overall arm strength and velocity are only average. Good size and a sturdy frame back up a well-established history of durability in his college career. Excellent understanding and execution of necessary ball placement on most routes. Has the mechanics, footwork and pocket feel of an experienced QB. Handled advanced pre-snap responsibilities at OSU and displayed a consistent aptitude for making correct reads in the post-snap. Sneakily athletic and not afraid to extend a play and seek out off-schedule throws. Also unafraid to hang in the pocket and absorb contact to deliver a throw if necessary and has more good examples of this on tape than any other QB prospect in the class. Well known reputation as a gym rat, obsessive studier and cerebral team leader. Described by Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy as the “Peyton Manning/Tom Brady of college football.” Showed dramatic and tangible improvements from his junior to senior seasons.

CONS

Arm strength is only average. Played in a wide open shotgun spread with an outstanding group of receivers leading to free targets much of the time. Gambles a bit too often throwing downfield and into tight windows, a tendency that went under-punished due to his great receivers and poor Big 12 defenses. Accuracy and velocity suffer significantly if mechanics and rhythm are off. Has a tendency to either sail or loop throws to the sidelines and/or flats which could lead to turnover issues at the next level. Needs to accelerate his processing speed in the post-snap, especially on multi-read progressions. Holds the ball in the pocket far too long for the pros. Limited mobility. Unusually small hands for his size. Not a comfortable passer on the move, needs to set his feet to achieve accuracy. Doesn’t finish runs particularly gracefully, will need to work on sliding to protect himself and the ball moving forward.

VERDICT

There is far more to love about Mason Rudolph than there is to hate. His size, deep throwing ability, intense study habits and natural leadership skills are definite indications of NFL starter potential. However average overall arm talent, limited mobility and a QB-friendly college setup have created a chorus of doubters in NFL front offices. With a little patience and the right kind of offensive support (both on the field and on the coaching staff), Rudolph has the potential to emerge as a surprisingly viable starter and may go down as one of the most overlooked prospects in the 2018 class.

PROSPECT COMPS

Philip Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger

GRADE 

MID FIRST