Detroit Lions Draft: A Quarterback for Every Round
By Jeff Risdon
Fifth Round: Nate Sudfeld
Indiana’s Nate Sudfeld has one huge feather in the cap atop his 6’6″ body: he led the Hoosiers to a bowl game. That doesn’t happen very often. The Hoosiers’ all-time leader in passing yards (ahead of Antwan Randle-El and Trent Green), Sudfeld has flashed the strong arm and pocket presence to succeed in the NFL. He has some mobility, but his strength is delivering a clean, crisp throw from the pocket to different layers of the defense.
"A look at one of our two Offensive Players of the Week, @NateSudfeld. #iufb https://t.co/XKAbY9oByU — Indiana Football (@HoosierFootball) November 24, 2015"
In the above highlight clip, it’s easy to see why he’s got NFL potential but also will last to the fifth round. The ball placement can be imperfect, the timing not quite precise. He will get a chance to show off his skills at the Shrine Game in January, where he will work with unfamiliar receivers.
Sudfeld doesn’t have the high upside of many of the earlier prospects, but he offers enough immediate skill and potential to be a solid NFL quarterback that he would represent solid value in this range of the draft
Next: Jeff Driskel