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Martin Rucker TE 6'5 251 Missouri

By: Robert Davis

Rucker has been one of the better tight ends in the country back to his freshman season. He earned freshman All America honors after hauling in 19 passes for 263 yards and four touchdowns. He earned All Big 12 1st team honors as a sophomore, finishing the season with 47 catches for 567 yards and a touchdown. Rucker became a two time 1st team selection last season, finishing with 53 receptions for 511 yards and five touchdowns. He did not disappoint as a senior, hauling in 81 receptions for 815 yards and eight touchdowns for the year.

From a physical standpoint, Rucker has it all. He has very good size, and will cause problems for linebackers and safeties that try to cover him. He combines that size with very good athleticism. He is quick and changes direction well, giving him the ability to gain separation out of his breaks and allows him to make plays with the football in his hands. Rucker has soft hands and can catch anything thrown in his direction. He should be able to develop into a legitimate threat in the red zone.

Rucker has never been the blocker a player his size should be. He has not shown the power at the point of attack or the willingness to finish blocks. He has improved this year in blocking, but he still needs more work.

This is turning into a deep draft for tight ends, and Rucker is one of the reasons why. He has the talent to be a force as a receiver and is improving as a blocker. He has not distinguished himself from the pack in the post season, so he may be looking at being a third or fourth round selection.


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