The Minnesota Vikings only had one pick on the second day of the 2011 NFL Draft. And they used it wisely, selecting Notre Dame tight end Kyle Rudolph with the 11th pick (43rd overall) in the second round.
The botched Randy Moss experiment last season cost the Vikings a third-round pick, which they surrendered to the New England Patriots in exchange for their former star receiver.
With Rudolph, the Vikings are getting an athletic tight end regarded by many as the best at his position in this draft. I have to agree.
Of course, with what Rudolph may lack as a run blocker, he will more than make up for with his route running and pass catching ability. In fact, when teamed with tight end Visanthe Shiancoe, the Vikings will have the opportunity to create some very favorable mismatches against opposing defenses.
Toss receivers Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin and Greg Camarillo (and maybe even former CFL standout Emmanuel Arceneaux) into that discussion and suddenly the Minnesota Vikings are looking like a team with some diverse offensive firepower. Or at least the ability to move the ball consistently and score points.
Rudolph missed most of last season after hamstring surgery. But when he's healthy, this is a young talent that has the size, strength and speed to excel in this system.
New offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave has to be pleased with the attention to offense in this year's draft thus far.
With the selection of quarterback Christian Ponder yesterday and Rudolph today, the Vikings are collecting the weaponry necessary to support running backs Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart and vastly improve the league's 23rd rated offense.
If everyone can get on the same page sooner than later, this 2011 Minnesota Vikings offense could be a good one.
Frans Nielsen Dwayne Roloson Jon Sim Jason Arnott David Clarkson Patrick Davis
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