2016 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top Ten Quarterbacks
8. Nate Sudfeld, Indiana
Sep 5, 2015; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Nate Sudfeld (7) looks for an open player for a pass during the second quarter of the game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Another 2016 quarterback prospect who certainly looks the part is Indiana’s Nate Sudfeld. Armed with a massive frame (6-foot-6, 240 pounds), a rocket arm and great poise in the pocket, Sudfeld appears to belong on an NFL field.
Injuries have become a bit of a concern for Sudfeld in college, but he seems to be past that, and is rolling along nicely. He has a strong and clean delivery that forces out a quick and decisive ball. Sudfeld is never going to be mistaken for a dual-threat quarterback, but he can move pretty well for a man of his size.
Besides the measurables, the most impressive part of Sudfeld’s game is his obvious pocket presence. He never panicked in the face of pressure, always showing a great ability to step up and find a clean path to throw from. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning have made a career out of having elite pocket presence. Sudfeld shows that kind of upside.
Like most young quarterbacks, Sudfeld’s decision-making needs to improve. He forces the ball far too often, and struggles to read defensive schemes. Sudfeld will likely improve in these departments as his career moves along, but for right now he struggles at it.
He is also far too inconsistent with his accuracy. When he gets into a groove, Sudfeld looks like a future Hall of Fame quarterback, spinning bombs perfectly down the field into tight coverage or finding creases in the defense that simply did not appear to be there. However, there are times where it looks like he has lost all feel for the football. The flashes of brilliance are certainly there, but it needs to come on a more consistent basis.
Sudfeld is a true quarterback project for the next level. His skills truly are top-notch, but he has a lot of work to do. Ideally, he would land with a strong offensive coaching staff that has a smart veteran already in place. Then Sudfeld could sit back and learn how to use his obvious strengths on a more consistent basis.
If he is forced into early playing time, it could get ugly. He would undoubtedly flash elite potential, but NFL defenses would probably eat him alive. Draft Sudfeld to groom him from the bench, and you could eventually have a star quarterback on your hands.
Next: Number Seven