Kyle Rudolph

It generally isn't until about now, with training camp just around the corner, that Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph starts keeping a close eye on his weight. He has always worked out in the offseason, with an eye toward getting ready for the season, but Rudolph will admit he has also used his training regimen as justification to cut some nutritional corners.

Rudolph started keeping a closer leash on his diet in February, with an eye toward slimming down before the Vikings' voluntary veterans' minicamp in April. He is now about 260 pounds, he said, after playing at 275 last season, and with a more active role in the Vikings' passing game likely awaiting him this season, Rudolph has been working to refine his skills as a receiver.

Rudolph is working out at Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald's training camp this week, training with Fitz and a group of receivers for the fourth year. He has been drilling his speed in and out of his cuts with Fitzgerald's trainer, Bill Welle. In a scheme that has traditionally rewarded tight ends, Rudolph could see the payoff this season. We currently rank Rudolph 9th among our TEs with an ADP of the 10th round, but outside of the top-three, everyone can look the same when it's time to draft that position. Perhaps Rudolph is a name to keep in mind as someone to step up this season among a large group of second tier players.