Scouting Report: Mason Rudolph

I’m infatuated with quarterback (QB) play, specifically, trying to find quarterbacks that don’t suck coming out of college. For a couple years, I’ve been writing scouting reports to share with friends, and here’s the main point, I don’t listen to or read anybody else’s opinion on said prospect. With Ben Roethlisberger’s injury, I thought it might be a good time to post this. Clearly, it’s not very finished, but I thought it might be fun! Also, too, Houston might face the Steelers in the playoffs (well, probably not), and even better, it may open up a playoff spot everyone thought would go to Pittsburgh. Enjoy!

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WOW, what an intriguing QB in Mason Rudolph. He’s a serious system QB, I kinda don’t like his throwing motion (not bad, but not my fave), and he’ll throw the occasional WTF pass, but he’s really interesting.

Bad:

• A system QB. He’ll have a huge learning curve at the pro level.
• Relies heavily on play action for success (not a bad thing, I guess, but it’s a thing).
• Not a big arm at all, and he will struggle with certain throws.
• Can become a pusher with his throws, even with his kinda tall and fall motion. I have no sense of his intermediary throws. Like, almost none. It’s either a screen, a five yard hitch, or 30 yards down field.

Good:

• Serious. Kittening. Competitor. He’s up there with Baker Mayfield, at least on “tape.”
• Decent accuracy. He’s not Mayfield accurate, but he’s more than solid.
• Gorgeous deep ball. Not always accurate, but he gives his guys a chance.
• Calm, cool, and collected in the pocket. Keeps a good drum beat when dropping back, and he’s not prone to happy feet.
• Solid pocket presence when feeling the heat.

If I’m running a West Coast Offense (WCO) and see Rudolph, I think he’s a great fit for that system. I’ve been trying to come up with a comp for him, but I’m drawing a blank. The closest I can envisage are Tyrod Taylor and Jimmy Garoppolo, which I know is totes weird. He’s the sort of guy who, you stick in a Gary Kubiak or Mike Shanahan type system, he’s going to win a lot of games.