Players to look out for next year in Colege Football... TE Edition

                              This is the second installment of this series. As a reminder:

                             This is just a list of top prospects, at the positions I think we wil be in need of: 1) Recieving TE (obvious)  2) HB (Aging backfield, with no clear answer) 3)SS replacement (Bellis 33 yo, aging) 4) replacement RT (pass protection, or lack there of)

                               DISCLAIMER:  These choices assume that newcomers at FS, NT, OLB, ILB, etc. stick around. So don't blame me for not predicting that some don't pan out.

     First things first, the best overall prospect and my favorite one at TE.

Kyle Rudolph*, TE, Notre Dame
Height: 6-6. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2011): Top 25 Pick.
4/3/10: Kyle Rudolph is currently the top tight end prospect for the 2011 NFL Draft class (assuming he comes out early). He caught 33 passes for 364 yards and three touchdowns as a sophomore despite missing some time with a shoulder injury.

 I absolutely love what this guy can bring to our team. I see him filling the role of our dearly missed David Martin a.k.a The Flying Squirrel. We have missed the pass catching TE for a while and I know many of you wanted us to take a TE this past draft. As you can see he played some WR, so it would not be out of the realm of possibilities to see him play some slot. If you can remember the 2008 season, we used the TE a lot in the slot. I can easily see him fulfilling this role and succeeding in it. With his ability to play both slot and TE, he possesses the versatility that this FO loves. His only downside is his blocking ability, but at 6-6 260 lbs., he has the size to be able to. Technique can be taught. He is not an injury risk, because the shoulder injury was the first to keep him off the field. This is exactly what we need at the TE position. Fasano, Haynos and Rudolph would give us the ability to adjust to the situation.

Lance Kendricks, TE, Wisconsin
Height: 6-4. Weight: 239.
Projected 40 Time: 4.58.
Projected Round (2011): 2.
4/3/10: A good blocker despite his small frame, Lance Kendricks managed 29 receptions, 356 yards and three scores in 2009.

WOW! He has no highlight reels. In his defense he was behind Garrett Graham, a guy who just got drafted this year.

Weslye Saunders, South Carolina
Height: 6-5. Weight: 280.
Projected 40 Time: 4.76.
Projected Round (2010): 2-3.
4/3/10: A talented tight end who has character issues, Weslye Saunders had 32 catches, 353 yards and three touchdowns in 2009.

2/8/09: Weslye Saunders had just 16 catches for 214 yards and three touchdowns, but he'll get a lot more opportunities with Jared Cook gone.

7/27/08: Qualified for the freshman All-SEC team with 12 catches and 151 yards.

 Uh-oh, character concerns! IDK if our FO will draft this guy. I was not able to chase down these claims, but they are still there. Also has played some B-ball.  twitter.com/WesSaunders88 

 Luke Stocker, TE, Tennessee
Height: 6-6. Weight: 240.
Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
Projected Round (2011): 3-4.
4/3/10: Luke Stocker isn't much of a blocker and he drops passes more than you'd like. He caught 29 balls for 389 yards and five touchdowns as a junior.

Sadly this is the only vid of him. No highlight reels.

 Charlie Gantt, TE, Michigan State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 248.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2011): 3-4.
4/3/10: A terrific blocker, Charlie Gantt hauled in 22 receptions for 348 yards and two scores in 2009.

 Weell there it is the TE edition. Ask me to do more Prospects per position if you want me to, I'd be happy to do so. Oh, and I will do more, check the top of the post for the other Editions. I've already have done SS, click here for that edition.