Let’s be real for a second. If you’re looking for the next Caleb Williams or Jayden Daniels in this upcoming class, you’re probably going to be disappointed. Last year was a freak occurrence. Having six quarterbacks go in the first twelve picks isn't normal. It’s an anomaly.
But honestly? The chatter that the nfl qb prospects 2025 group is "bad" is just lazy. It’s not bad; it’s just complicated. We don't have a consensus generational talent, but we do have a handful of guys who could absolutely start on Sundays if they land in the right system.
The 2025 draft is about projection over polished production. You’ve got a superstar’s son with elite pocket presence, a Miami playmaker who creates magic out of thin air, and a bunch of high-ceiling projects that’ll make GMs sweat on draft night.
The Big Two: Ward vs. Sanders
Right now, the conversation starts and ends with Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. They’re the only ones most scouts feel comfortable putting a first-round grade on today.
Cam Ward (Miami)
Ward is the ultimate "bet on the traits" candidate. He’s a backyard football player in a pro-style body. He broke the NCAA record for career passing touchdowns (158) and led the FBS with 39 scores this past season.
He’s got that "it" factor. You know, the kind where the pocket collapses, he dodges two defenders, and then flicks a no-look pass 40 yards downfield for a touchdown. It’s electric. However, his "hero ball" tendency is a double-edged sword. He holds the ball way too long sometimes, leading to sacks that drive coaches crazy.
Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)
Sanders is basically the inverse of Ward. He is surgically precise. While Ward is out there improvising, Shedeur is dissecting. He finished his college career as one of the most accurate passers ever, hovering around a 71.8% completion rate.
The biggest thing people get wrong about Shedeur? They think he’s just a "media creation" because of his dad. That’s nonsense. His footwork is legitimately the best in this class. He’s been mentored by Tom Brady, and it shows in his timing and rhythm. His ceiling might be capped by average arm strength, but his floor is incredibly high because he just doesn't make many dumb mistakes.
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The Wildcards and Mid-Round Projects
If you move past the top two, things get murky. Fast.
Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) is a name that's split the scouting community in half. On one hand, he put up monster numbers in Lane Kiffin’s offense—over 4,200 yards and nearly 11 yards per attempt. He’s got that Joe Burrow-lite swagger. On the other hand, scouts worry that the Ole Miss system is a "gimmick" that doesn't translate to the NFL. He’s likely a Day 2 pick who needs a year to sit and learn.
Then there’s Jalen Milroe (Alabama).
Milroe is a freak athlete. 4.4 speed. He set the Alabama record for rushing touchdowns by a QB with 20 this past season. But his passing numbers took a massive hit in 2024. His interceptions nearly doubled. If a team like the Seahawks or Giants takes him, they’re drafting an athlete they hope to turn into a quarterback. He’s a project in every sense of the word.
- Quinn Ewers (Texas): Once the #1 recruit in the country, now a likely 2nd or 3rd rounder. He’s got the arm angles, but the "injury-prone" tag is sticking to him after missing time in multiple seasons.
- Garrett Nussmeier (LSU): A classic gunslinger. He’s got the confidence to throw into any window, but that leads to some ugly turnovers.
- Kyle McCord (Syracuse): He found new life after leaving Ohio State, leading the FBS in passing yards (4,779). He’s a solid backup/low-end starter prospect.
What Scouts Are Really Saying Behind Closed Doors
I talked to a few league sources recently, and the consensus is that this year is a "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" draft.
There isn't a Trevor Lawrence here.
One scout told me, "If you want a guy who can play Week 1 and not turn it over, you take Shedeur. If you want a guy who might win you a Super Bowl in four years but might also get you fired in two, you take Cam Ward."
The medicals are also going to be huge. Guys like Quinn Ewers and Tyler Shough (who has been in college for seven years due to injuries) are going to have their charts picked apart. If the medicals don't clear, they could slide into the late rounds or go undrafted entirely.
Mapping Out the Draft Board
| Prospect | Primary Strength | Biggest Concern | Projected Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Ward | Creative Playmaking | Ball Security | Top 10 |
| Shedeur Sanders | Accuracy/IQ | Arm Velocity | Top 15 |
| Jaxson Dart | Deep Ball/Toughness | System Transition | Round 2 |
| Jalen Milroe | Elite Mobility | Pocket Processing | Round 3 |
| Quinn Ewers | Natural Arm Talent | Injury History | Round 2-3 |
Why the "Weak Class" Narrative is Misleading
Everyone compares every class to the 2024 group. That’s a mistake.
The 2025 nfl qb prospects 2025 class is actually very deep in terms of "bridge" starters. You might not find a superstar, but you’ll find guys who can keep a franchise afloat. In a league where half the starters seem to get hurt every year, that value is massive.
Teams like the Titans, Raiders, and Giants are desperate. Desperation leads to reaches. Don't be surprised if three or four of these names end up in the first round simply because the demand for QBs always outstrips the supply.
How to Evaluate These Guys Yourself
If you’re watching tape or highlights, stop looking at the touchdowns.
Look at what happens when the first read is covered.
Watch the footwork in the pocket when a 300-pound defensive tackle is breathing down their neck.
Does the quarterback's base stay solid, or do they start "happy-footing" it?
That’s the difference between an NFL starter and a bust.
Actionable Steps for Draft Fans
If you want to stay ahead of the curve as we approach the draft, here is what you need to do:
- Track the Senior Bowl: This is where Jaxson Dart and Quinn Ewers can prove they can handle a pro-style huddle. It’s the single most important week for non-Sanders/Ward prospects.
- Watch the 10-Yard Split: For guys like Milroe, his 40-yard dash matters, but his 10-yard split at the combine will tell you how quickly he can escape an NFL pass rush.
- Ignore the "Mock Draft" Hype: Early mocks are mostly guesswork. Focus on which teams send their GMs (not just scouts) to pro days in March. That’s the real "tell" for who a team actually likes.
The 2025 quarterback class isn't going to save a franchise overnight, but for the team that finds the right fit, it might just provide the missing piece of the puzzle.