Could the Vikings' Addition of Donovan McNabb Hurt Kyle Rudolph's Production?

Ryan LesterJun 7, 2018

Christian Ponder and Kyle Rudolph were drafted together. Ponder went in the first round, and Rudolph, his future safety net, came in the second. While the rookies were locked out of mini-camps and OTAs, they worked out together. Both Ponder and Rudolph were going the same thing.

They had yet to get the first taste of NFL money, and they had to know they would be the sacrificial lambs of the collective bargaining negotiations. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say they formed a great rapport. As they started their NFL careers, they would lean on each other.

While that is still the case, a lot of their time could be spent together on the second team.

Sure the Vikings will run plenty of two tight end sets, but by bringing in McNabb, the Vikings are making a statement that says they want to win now. McNabb has been known to work well with tight ends in the past, but he may be more comfortable throwing to veteran Visanthe Shiancoe as he tries to restore his reputation.

Besides, being a rookie tight end is one of the more difficult assignments. Not only do you have to learn the offensive terminology, timing and routes, but let’s not forget that catching passes is only half of what tight ends do. Perhaps more important, in terms of playing time, will be the ability to pass protect. That balancing act is a difficult one.

I don’t think anyone was planning on using Rudolph as a No. 1 tight end this year for their fantasy team, but I’m certain he would have made his way on some fantasy rosters as a sleeper TE2. Given the circumstances, I would instead put Rudolph in the tickler file. If he gets off to a good start, then you may want to add him. If not, maybe next year will be his time.