Kyle Rudolph, Tight End, Minnesota Vikings
While pass rush might be the first priority, adding solid tight end is certainly high on the list of Raiders’ needs. After losing Jared Cook to the New Orleans Saints, the team’s depth chart is now headed by players such as Lee Smith – a blocking tight end – and Darren Waller – an athletic but unproven pass-catcher.
Adding a strong presence at the position could do wonders for the Raiders. With Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams on the outside, the tight end could work the middle of the field and the red zone. Taking pressure away from Brown and Williams will only make them shine more.
The Minnesota Vikings reportedly took trade calls on tight end Kyle Rudolph prior to the draft. They then used a second round pick on former Alabama star Irv Smith Jr. The Vikings cap space is slim to none right now and releasing Rudolph could allow them resigning players such as Xavier Rhodes.
Rudolph currently has no dead money on his contract, meaning that if the Vikings released him, they would save over $7 million. If they truly are worried about their cap space, it seems very realistic that with his replacement already in tow, Rudolph could be a goner.
Rudolph has started all 16 games the past four seasons including a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2017. In 2018 he caught 64 passes for 634 yards and four touchdowns. He received high marks from PFF for both his receiving and blocking talents.
Rudolph would be a perfect fit in the Raiders’ offense between Brown and Williams. As the receivers spread the field, Rudolph could work over the middle gaining the tough yards. He could have a major role in the red zone as well as he has at least four touchdowns the past four seasons.
Overall, adding a tight end of Rudolph’s caliber to the team’s offense would only make it stronger and give quarterback Derek Carr another dangerous weapon to work with.
