Rudolph has skill set for receiving prowess but run-blocking equally critical for Vikings
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Kyle Rudolph has some of the surest hands in the NFL. His 6-foot-6, 260-pound frame is fit for the type of tight end who can be one of his team's best passing targets.
As long as Rudolph plays for Minnesota, though, run blocking must be an equally important part of his skill set.
Only Rob Gronkowski had more touchdown receptions last year among tight ends than Rudolph, who went to the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement for Tony Gonzalez. But with Adrian Peterson running the ball for the Vikings, and even passing plays, the tight end is asked to block for, Rudolph is probably not on track to post the eye-catching statistics that guys like Gronkowski and Gonzalez have.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
___
AP NFL website: http://www.pro32.ap.org
Dave Campbell on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DaveCampbellAP