Washington Commanders

RG3's former coach says he needs to learn how to pass from the pocket

Published Mar. 23, 2016 6:03 p.m. ET

foxsports

Even though the Redskins parted ways with Robert Griffin III earlier this month, Washington coach Jay Gruden still believes that the former Heisman Trophy winner can have a successful NFL career, if he learns one basic quarterback skill: How to pass from the pocket.

Gruden, who was grilled about his former QB during a media session at the NFL owner's meetings on Wednesday, praised RG3 for his talent, but said he needs to develop his drop-back passing game.

"He can do the zone read. He can run the bootlegs and all that stuff that make him effective outside the pocket, Gruden said (via Cleveland.com). "But eventually he's going to have to continue to master the drop-back passing game in the NFL, which he needs to continue to do and he will do."

Gruden said he believes that RG3 is fully healthy now, and that he can certainly be a viable starter in the league if he's given a chance.

"He's very talented obviously. We all know that. We saw what he did as a rookie. And now he'll just continue to gain knowledge of systems and (they can) keep him healthy and on the field, I think he's got a chance.''

Gruden went on to say that RG3 would benefit from a "change of scenery," and said Griffin will be a "fine teammate" wherever he ends up.