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Nate Sudfeld’s development an interesting offseason subplot

By Ian Cummings

Jun 14, 2016; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Nate Sudfeld (2) and Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) participate in team stretching during day one of minicamp at Redskins Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Nate Sudfeld (2) and Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) participate in team stretching during day one of minicamp at Redskins Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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As OTAs carry on, one player who has not been mentioned much is Nate Sudfeld. The second-year quarterback’s development in 2017 could be very important when next offseason hits.

The Redskins drafted Nate Sudfeld in the sixth round of the 2016 draft. The former Indiana Hoosier showed enough during training camp and preseason to grab a spot on the Redskins’ roster as the third quarterback. He never saw the field, but that could change as early as next year.

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There is plenty of uncertainty surrounding the Redskins’ quarterback situation, although you wouldn’t hear it from Bruce Allen or Kirk Cousins. The two sides have been rather amicable when speaking about the other in recent interviews. At this point, however, it’s all words. If we don’t see a deal by July 15, there’s a very good chance Cousins suits up somewhere else next year.

If that possibility materializes into reality, then the development of the 23-year old Sudfeld becomes a far more important story. Besides career backup Colt McCoy, Cousins’ departure would leave the Redskins with only Sudfeld on the roster.

There’s no shame in letting McCoy start, but Sudfeld has more upside with a 6-foot-5 frame and a rocket arm. However, Sudfeld displayed minor accuracy and footwork issues last year in preseason, and his development this offseason will be key in deciding how the Redskins spend their offseason in 2018.

All quarterbacks need time to become acclimated to the pace of the professional level, but only a select few make the jump. If Sudfeld makes the jump next year, then the Redskins likely would feel less bitter about letting Cousins go. The team has plenty of experience with starting inexperienced quarterbacks. And two years ago, they had success doing so.

Next: Derek Carr deal could impact Kirk Cousins negotiations

The Redskins can draft a quarterback if Cousins leaves, but anyone they draft would lack the professional experience that Sudfeld has. Sudfeld’s ceiling remains to be seen, but there’s plenty to work with. If he shows the Redskins what they’re looking for with the opportunities he has, then he could see the field sooner than one would expect.

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