A Vikings rookie could be poised for a big year, but it's not Christian Ponder

Good times

August 24, 2011 at 7:08PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

ESPN recently released its list of the NFL's top 200 players, and along with it is a compilation of rookies who could be ready to make the jump into that group. The list, compiled by Mel Kiper Jr., is "loaded with top-level talent, but it's also loaded with guys who have a chance to make an early mark and to quickly rise and be considered among the top players in their positional groups."

Among the top six, it includes a Vikings player ... but it's not QB Christian Ponder. Rather, it's second-round pick Kyle Rudolph. Here is the snippet on Rudolph (insider required for the full story):

He has all the tools to be a topflight tight end at this level, and Rudolph also might be in the perfect situation to get a jump on other rookies. In Minnesota, he has a quarterback who loves to throw to tight ends, and, given the lack of wideout options, Donovan McNabb might have to.

about the writer

about the writer

Michael Rand

Columnist / Reporter

Michael Rand is the Minnesota Star Tribune's Digital Sports Senior Writer and host/creator of the Daily Delivery podcast. In 25 years covering Minnesota sports at the Minnesota Star Tribune, he has seen just about everything (except, of course, a Vikings Super Bowl).

See More

More from Sports

card image