MANKATO, Minn. (AP) — Kyle Rudolph wanted to learn everything he could about the tight end position during the offseason, so he watched video of 12-time Pro Bowl pick and Atlanta Falcons stalwart Tony Gonzalez.
The Minnesota Vikings are trying to emulate what they can of New England’s tough-to-stop two-tight end offense, so Rudolph studied more film of Patriots standouts Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.
Last year, Rudolph played in 15 games but had only 26 catches for 249 yards and three touchdowns. He was still recovering from surgery on his hamstring during his final season at Notre Dame, and he was trying to adjust to the pace and length of the NFL’s 16-game schedule. Now he says he feels more like himself.
