Mason Rudolph

QB · Oklahoma State
A four-year starter at Oklahoma State, Rudolph thrived in the Cowboys' up-tempo, spread passing attack (exclusively shotgun/pistol) that is designed to exploit single coverage and make it tough for defenses to identify personnel - plenty of pretty deep passes on his game film. He checks boxes with his size, presence and character for the NFL level, but faces a steep learning curve in his transition to the pro game. The most important question for his pro transition: when the first read is taken away, can he efficiently go through his progressions while feeling the rush to find an open window? Rudolph wasn't asked to consistently do this in college and was often protected by conservative play-calling - it's not that he can't do what is required at the NFL level, but his tape doesn't show that he can either. Although his NFL transition requires patience, Rudolph has the physical traits and intelligence that make him a worthy developmental option. BACKGROUND A four-star quarterback recruit out of high school, Mason Rudolph started his prep career at tight end before transferring to Northwestern High School as a sophomore and moving to quarterback under head coach Kyle Richardson (who is now an offensive assistant at Clemson). He was highly productive and led his team to back-to-back state titles (winning his senior season), but went overlooked by many nearby schools, allowing Oklahoma State to swoop in and convince the southern native to move to the Midwest for his college career. Rudolph was expected to redshirt in 2014, but an injury to Daxx Garman forced him into action and he responded well, winning two of his three starts, including a fourth-quarter comeback in Norman to defeat Oklahoma. As a sophomore he started the first 11 games before a foot injury hobbled him down the stretch, finishing with 62.3-percent completions (264-for-424) for 3,770 passing yards, 21 touchdown passes and nine interceptions. Rudolph had his most productive season as a junior with 63.4-percent completions (284-for-448) for 4,091 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and four interceptions, earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors.