Position: Tight end • School: Notre Dame • Height, weight: 6-6, 266 pounds • Age: 20 (Born Nov. 9, 1989, in Cincinnati)THE SKINNY
Played three seasons for the Fighting Irish, catching 90 passes for 1,032 yards and eight touchdowns in 29 games. ... Started all 13 games as a freshman in 2008, catching 29 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns. ... Had 33 receptions for 364 yards with three touchdowns in 10 games as a sophomore in 2009. Missed two games after separating his left shoulder and underwent surgery in mid-March. ... Started the first six games of the 2010 season and had 28 catches for 328 yards and three touchdowns. Tore two tendons off the bone in his right hamstring against Pittsburgh and underwent season-ending surgery Oct. 15.
THE SCOUTING REPORT
Rudolph said he is completely recovered from the hamstring injury that still might have scared some teams enough not to select him. He doesn't have great speed but is a willing blocker and is very capable of catching the ball. Could be a threat in the red zone.
HOW DOES HE FIT?
The Vikings already have three tight ends in Visanthe Shiancoe, Jeff Dugan and Jim Kleinsasser, but all are entering the final season of their contract. Rudolph's presence means Dugan likely will have to battle to make the roster.
DID YOU KNOW?
Rudolph's 95-yard touchdown catch against Michigan in 2010 was the longest by an Irish tight end and second-longest overall in school history.
