The problem with Ruud was that he only seemed to make one BIG play in a game (except for Mizzou). I would rather see consistent good play than 1 big play a game. Put the best tacklers (and Ruud is NOT) on the field (no more arm tackling trying to strip the ball crap).
I'll agree that Rudd is not the most gifted linebacker, physically, but I think we're all overlooking some things.
First, coaches look for players that get to the right spot consistently. They may not be the best tackler, but even if they are merely competent, that's better than a guy that is consistently out of position because he doesn't know where to be on the play. The former may give up some yards, but the latter gives up more yards and big plays - not only does he leave his responsibility open, but it has a domino effect; someone has to cover for him, which leaves
that responsibility uncovered, and on and on...
Second, given that coaches' livelihood depends on the performance of the players, it's hard to imagine a coach
not putting what he considers the best performers on the field. That doesn't mean the best athletes - it means the guys that run the schemes. Nirvana (the feeling, not the band) is when you can get a guy that does both. Absent that, you have to go with the one that doesn't leave a gapping hole in the scheme.
Rudd tended to be in the right position in each scheme. He isn't a "difference maker" but he's not bad. Are there better? Sure...
but are there better on the team? I can't say, but I also don't believe that a coach is going to risk a loss by not putting what he considers his best players out there.
How many times have we seen a guy with all the potential in the world - high school, college, pros - waste it by not learning technique or the scheme? Happens all the time, and they drive coaches crazy. Because the coaches can't count on them, they don't play them.
I suspect that's the case with a lot of the younger guys - they have All-World physcial ability, but they can't put it to use because they are out of position or not playing their technique.