Two years after stating he thinks he's the best tight end in the NFL, Kyle Rudolph backed up his lofty proclamation Thursday.
When asked by the Twin Cities Pioneer Press if he still believes he's the game's best tight end, the Vikings tight end left no doubt.
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"Absolutely,” Rudolph said. “Route running and catching balls, to many, is all that matters. But it’s also (about) being one of the best blockers, one of the best pass protectors.”
Rudolph, who had just 49 receptions for 495 yards last season, has never caught more than 53 in any of his five NFL seasons (the career high came in 2012, when he also had nine touchdowns). Though he is a solid pass blocker, few would back him up as the NFL's best tight end.
“The world revolves around fantasy football,” Rudolph said. “That’s just the nature of sports right now, and that’s just the way it is. But I know that when I come to work every Monday, and I (watch) the film, I may have only caught two balls, but if I did my job in the run game and pass protection, (Vikings coach Mike Zimmer) is going to be happy.”
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Last season was the first in Rudolph's shiny five-year, $36.5 million contract, so apparently the Vikings really valued at least parts of his skill set.
Now, he wants to help young quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in the passing game.
“I want to have the best season that I’ve had as a Viking,” Rudolph said. “It’s no secret we need to become more balanced, and I think I play a part in that.”