Honestly, if you're looking for the next C.J. Stroud or Caleb Williams in this class, you might want to temper those expectations. The 2025 cycle is weird. It’s not that there isn't talent, but it’s a group defined by "projection" rather than "certainty." We've moved past the era where every top pick is a finished product. Now, we're looking at a bunch of high-ceiling gambles that could either revitalize a franchise or get a General Manager fired by 2027.
The conversation around nfl quarterback prospects 2025 usually starts and ends with two names: Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward. But sticking to the headlines misses the nuance. You've got guys like Jalen Milroe, who is essentially a human highlight reel with footwork issues, and Quinn Ewers, a former "generational" recruit who is now fighting to prove he’s more than just a safe, short-game distributor.
The Cam Ward vs. Shedeur Sanders Debate
Most draft rooms are split right down the middle here. On one hand, you have Cam Ward out of Miami. He’s the guy who won the Davey O’Brien and Manning Awards after a massive 2024 season. Ward threw for over 4,300 yards and 39 touchdowns, leading the FBS in scores. He’s got that "unorthodox" flair—think Jordan Love or a more polished version of the improvisers we see dominating the league now. He doesn't need a perfect pocket. Actually, he's almost better when things break down. He has this effortless release where the ball just jumps off his hand, and he can change his arm angle like he’s playing shortstop.
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But then there's Shedeur Sanders. He’s the most "pro-ready" from a mental standpoint, mostly because he’s been raised in the game. Sanders led the nation with a 74% completion rate in 2024. That’s absurd. People knock him for the "Coach Prime" circus, but if you actually watch the tape, the kid is tough. He took more hits than almost any Power Four quarterback behind a shaky Colorado line and still threw for 4,134 yards with only 10 interceptions. He doesn't have a cannon, but his ball placement is basically surgical.
"Sanders may be below average in stature and arm talent compared to NFL quarterbacks, but he plays the game cleanly... he has ice in his veins under pressure." — PFF Draft Analysis
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Why the "Big Names" Might Slide
It’s easy to look at the stats and assume these guys are locks for the top five. Not quite. The NFL is getting more skeptical of "system" success.
Take Quinn Ewers at Texas. Coming out of high school, he was the #1 recruit in the country. He’s got 36 career starts. That’s a lot of experience. But the 2024 season was a bit of a mixed bag. He threw 31 touchdowns, but his interceptions doubled to 12. Scouts are worried that he’s too reliant on Steve Sarkisian’s scheme—lots of play-action, lots of short throws. When he has to sit in the pocket and work through a full-field progression without a "gimmick," the velocity isn't always there. He’s currently projected more as a Day 2 guy (Rounds 2 or 3) rather than the superstar everyone expected two years ago.
Then there is the Jalen Milroe conundrum. Milroe is the most physically gifted athlete in the entire draft. Period. He ran an unofficial 4.37 at Alabama’s Pro Day. He had 20 rushing touchdowns in 2024. That’s a stat for a running back, not a quarterback. But the "lay-up" throws? He misses those. He’ll hit a 60-yard bomb over two defenders and then skip a 5-yard out route into the dirt. An NFL team will draft him high because you can't coach 4.3 speed, but he’s a "sit and develop" project.
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The Sleeper Tier: Production Over Pedigree
If you're a fan of a team like the Giants or the Raiders and you miss out on the top two, there are some productive veterans that are basically "NFL-ready" backups with spot-starter potential.
- Kyle McCord (Syracuse): After leaving Ohio State, he went to Syracuse and broke the ACC record for passing yards (4,779). He’s a gunslinger. He leads the country in "Big-Time Throws" but also turnover-worthy plays. He’s the guy you draft if you want to be entertained, for better or worse.
- Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss): Led the FBS in yards per attempt (10.8). He’s got a baseball background, which shows in his off-platform throws. He’s gritty, but like Ewers, there are questions about how much of his success was just Lane Kiffin being a genius.
- Kurtis Rourke (Indiana): The "Maple Missile." He’s got the size and the touch, setting Indiana records for touchdowns. He won’t wow you with a 70-yard rocket, but he’s a high-IQ player who rarely makes the wrong read.
The "Health" Question Marks
You can't talk about nfl quarterback prospects 2025 without mentioning the guys whose bodies might betray them. Tyler Shough at Louisville is a prime example. He’s 6'5", 225 pounds—the prototype. He’s been in college for seven years due to injuries. When he's healthy, he's a first-round talent. But he's rarely healthy.
LSU's Garrett Nussmeier is another one. He’s got "electric" arm talent, but a late-season abdominal strain in 2025 really sapped his mobility. He benched himself for a sophomore at one point, which is a massive red flag for NFL scouts. He has a "winning starter" grade from some outlets, but his propensity for interceptions makes him a massive risk.
Scouting the 2025 QB Class: Final Reality Check
Basically, if your team needs a quarterback, they are choosing their "poison."
- Shedeur Sanders: Accuracy and poise, but limited ceiling and system questions.
- Cam Ward: Elite playmaking and athleticism, but can be "too" confident and erratic with ball placement.
- Jalen Milroe: Unmatched athleticism, but poor pocket management and footwork.
- Quinn Ewers: High floor and experience, but lacks the "elite" arm strength to carry a bad team.
If you’re a fan looking to track these guys, focus on the Senior Bowl and Combine interviews. For this specific class, the "between the ears" stuff—the processing speed and leadership—is going to determine who goes in the top ten and who falls to Saturday.
What You Should Do Next
If you want to get ahead of the draft cycle, start watching "All-22" film of Cam Ward against top-tier SEC or ACC defenses. Look specifically at his "Success vs. Pressure" stats. While his overall grade is high, his PFF grade drops significantly (around 56.5) when he’s pressured versus when he’s clean (94.1). That’s the gap he has to close to be a Day 1 starter in the NFL. Also, keep an eye on the medical reports for Garrett Nussmeier and Tyler Shough; their draft stock will live or die in the training rooms at the Combine.