With two experienced quarterbacks in front of him on the depth chart, rookie Nate Sudfeld knows he can be patient as he improves his game.
The Redskins seem to be set at the quarterback position for the 2016 season.
With Kirk Cousins evolving into a quarterback with a big contract in his future, and Colt McCoy remaining in the organization for the third season, perfecting the offense, the two seem to have their spots anchored on the 53-man roster.
Despite the two play caller's presence, general manager Scot McCloughan and company decided to select Nate Sudfeld in the 6th round of April's draft.
Sudfeld stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 234 pounds. His measurables include 9 7/8-inch hands, 34 ¼-inch arms, 29-inch vertical, 105-inch broad jump and a 5.27-second 40-yard dash.
Being under center for four seasons at Indiana, Sudfeld threw for 7,879 yards, 61 TDs and had a passer rating of 144.1. Unfortunately for Sudfeld, an injured left shoulder sidelined the Hoosier for half of his junior season, thus hurting his career stats. Despite that, Sudfeld earned third-team All-Big Ten Honors in 2015, where he completed 60 percent of his passes.
In an interview during rookie minicamp last Saturday, Sudfeld agreed that the depth at the quarterback position was vast.
"I think we have a tremendous quarterback situation here," Sudfeld said. "Kirk did a great job last year and deserves to be the starter of this team. Obviously, he's one of the premiere quarterbacks in the game and Colt could also be a starter somewhere else. He's a great player as well."
With the talent in front of him, Sudfeld was told by McCloughan that he has time and "to be patient." But Sudfeld wants to waste no time on his game.
"In one sense of the word I am trying to be patient to make sure that I don't get too frustrated," Sudfeld said. "But at the same time I am not being complacent, saying 'Oh I have time.' I'm trying to have a sense of urgency so if something crazy happens I can help this team win."
Sudfeld believes he has a "great opportunity" here with the Redskins, where he is confident that he can be an "extremely good player." The quarterback is convinced that the key to his improvement is the right mindset.
Luckily enough for Sudfeld, football knowledge is all around him as he transitions to a pro-style offense.
"I really have five quarterback coaches right now with those two [Cousins and McCoy], coach Cavanaugh, coach McVay and head coach Jay Gruden," he said "So I don't think I could be in a better situation."
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