Overview
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 240 pounds
School: Indiana Hoosiers
Combine Performance Data
Vertical jump: 29 inches
Broad Jump: 8 feet, 9 inches
Nate Sudfeld 2016 NFL Draft Profile
It’s not a stretch to say that Nate Sudfeld had the best season statistically speaking of any quarterback in the Big Ten in 2015. He finished tops in the conference in passing yards (3,573), touchdowns (27) and yards per attempt (8.7). His impressive numbers were a crucial cog in a high-powered Indiana offense that led the Big Ten in multiple key categories including total offense (504.3 yards per game) and scoring offense (36.5 points per game). And he proved indispensable in the Hoosier program making its first bowl appearance since 2007.
The Modesto, CA native would finish his college career as IU’s all-time leading passer, throwing for 7,879 yards. This despite sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury midway through his junior campaign. It’s likely he might have had a chance to eclipse the 10,000 yard plateau in the absence of having to miss half the 2014 season.
Indiana has had a handful of hugely prolific offensive players drafted under current head coach Kevin Wilson. One of those players, wide receiver Cody Latimer, made an appearance in Super Bowl 50 for the Denver Broncos after getting drafted in the second round two years ago. And last year saw running back Tevin Coleman get picked in the third round by the Atlanta Falcons after rushing for over 2,000 yards in an IU uniform the year before. Sudfeld is looking to further that track record of success in the draft from former Hoosier stalwarts on offense.
Strengths
- quintessential NFL size.
- above-average arm strength; rarely under-throws deep balls.
- has skill set to excel in pro-style system despite not being in one during college career.
- finds receivers in stride exceptionally well.
- has ability to make virtually any throw.
- utilizes perimeter of the field; can find outside receivers in man coverage.
- has short memory; doesn’t let the odd bad throw get to his head.
- does great job of cycling through progressions; 11 different IU players caught touchdown passes last season.
- grades highly from a character standpoint; nominated for AllState AFCA Good Works Team in 2015.
- National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete; appears to have intelligence necessary to pick up an NFL playbook.
Weaknesses
- could be product of a gimmicky system not prevalent at next level.
- concerns over durability related to season-ending shoulder injury last year.
- has a tendency to mistime touch throws such as screen passes.
- can take the ball and run when he needs to but mobility an issue.
- overuse of false cadence associated with no-huddle offenses in college.
NFL Comparison: Brock Osweiler
Teams with Need at Position: Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Houston Texans
Projection: middle rounds
Bottom Line
Sudfeld remains a bit under the radar. If we’re looking specifically at Big Ten quarterbacks, it’s likely Michigan State’s Connor Cook and Ohio State’s Cardale Jones get taken before him. However, the word from many scouts and draft experts was that he was quite impressive in the practices leading up to the January 23rd East-West Shrine Game. NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock was highly complimentary of him during the game itself, saying he was one of a few players who did wonders for his draft stock with his play. Like many prospects, how he performs at the Combine could make or break his chances at coming off the board by day two.
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