Kyle Rudolph ended 2013 on injured reserve with a fractured left foot after playing just eight games. However, the Minnesota Vikings tight end does not lack for confidence in looking toward 2014.
The 24-year-old was asked at a charity event in St. Paul on Wednesday to name the best tight end in the NFL.
"Me," he replied, per the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Stop giggling and let the man state his case.
"There's a ton of talented tight ends in our game," Rudolph said. "You have guys that play at a high level, like Jimmy Graham, Rob Gronkowski, Jason Witten and Vernon Davis. But I would put myself up there with them.
"I feel as a tight end, it's extremely important to be a guy that can contribute in the running game and also in the passing game."
While his confidence is admirable, we wouldn't speak Rudolph's name in the same breath as the players he mentioned.
Rudolph's three-year career totals in Minnesota are 109 catches for 1,055 yards and 15 touchdowns. Graham had 1,215 yards and 16 touchdowns on just 86 receptions in 2013 alone -- while being injured down the stretch.
But lets not completely bash Rudolph. What is he supposed to say?
The more interesting aspect with Rudolph is that he will now be working with Norv Turner. The Vikings' new offensive coordinator is a savant at getting the most out of tight ends in the passing game, including turning Jordan Cameron into a Pro Bowl player last year with the Cleveland Browns.
Rudolph does have talent to be an upper-level pass-catching tight end in the NFL under Turner. And while he might not be at the top of the list, he should be a good later-round grab for fantasy football folks.
In the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast" the guys do the news, open the mailbag and play "Win Wess' Toaster."
