1. Cam Ward (QB, Miami)
Cam Ward is a highly touted quarterback with a unique skill set. His ability to extend plays with his legs, paired with an impressive arm that can push the ball downfield, sets him apart. Ward is also known for his creative improvisation in the pocket, often making something out of nothing. His decision-making and consistency, however, will need refinement as he transitions to the NFL, but his raw talent and potential make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 class.
Strengths:
- Strong arm with the ability to make all the throws.
- Impressive mobility and playmaking ability outside the pocket.
- Poised under pressure and has a strong competitive edge.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to improve his consistency, especially in high-pressure situations.
- Must refine his mechanics and accuracy on short to intermediate throws.
Projected Draft Position: Likely first-round pick, depending on pre-draft evaluations and combine performance.
2. Jaxson Dart (QB, Ole Miss)
Jaxson Dart has the physical tools to be a top quarterback in the NFL, with a strong arm and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. He’s demonstrated flashes of brilliance, particularly when pushing the ball downfield. However, his consistency has been an area of concern, as Dart can sometimes struggle with ball placement and decision-making, especially when under duress. Nevertheless, his upside remains high, and teams that need a dynamic quarterback with room to grow will take notice.
Strengths:
- Strong arm capable of throwing deep with precision.
- Natural athlete who can evade pressure and create plays with his legs.
- Solid intangibles and leadership qualities.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to improve consistency, particularly in terms of ball placement.
- Can improve his decision-making when facing pressure from defenses.
Projected Draft Position: Mid to late first round, with the potential for a high draft selection if he develops consistency in his senior year.
3. Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)
Shedeur Sanders has garnered significant attention as one of the most polished quarterbacks in the 2025 class. Known for his exceptional accuracy, particularly in the short and intermediate game, Sanders displays an uncanny poise for his age. His ability to read defenses and make quick, calculated decisions is impressive. While his arm strength is solid, it’s his leadership and mental game that truly stand out, as he has shown an ability to thrive under pressure, especially in big moments.
Strengths:
- Elite accuracy and quick release.
- Exceptional football IQ and ability to make quick reads.
- Composed in high-pressure situations, demonstrating leadership qualities.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to continue developing his deep-ball accuracy.
- Must adapt to the pace and complexity of the NFL game, which may require some initial adjustment.
Projected Draft Position: First-round pick, potentially within the top 10, depending on combine performance and pre-draft evaluations.
4. Jalen Milroe (QB, Alabama)
Jalen Milroe brings elite athleticism to the quarterback position, which makes him a dangerous weapon both as a passer and a runner. His strong arm allows him to make throws to all areas of the field, and his mobility helps him escape pressure and extend plays. However, Milroe’s mechanics and decision-making have been inconsistent, and he’ll need to refine his touch and accuracy on shorter passes. With his athleticism and potential, Milroe is one of the most intriguing projects in this year’s draft.
Strengths:
- Elite mobility and athleticism, capable of creating big plays with his legs.
- Strong arm with the ability to make deep throws.
- High potential and physical upside.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to improve passing consistency and accuracy on shorter routes.
- Decision-making in the pocket could be more refined, especially under pressure.
Projected Draft Position: Late first or early second round, with the potential to rise depending on his development over the next year.
5. Riley Leonard (QB, Notre Dame)
Riley Leonard has impressed with his well-rounded game, showing poise in the pocket, good mechanics, and solid decision-making. Leonard is a cerebral quarterback with the ability to read defenses and make precise throws. While not as athletic as some of the other quarterbacks in this class, his football IQ and ability to execute within the system make him an appealing prospect. He’ll need to improve his arm strength to make all the throws, but his accuracy and leadership are undeniable.
Strengths:
- High football IQ and excellent decision-making.
- Poise in the pocket and ability to execute the offense efficiently.
- Leadership qualities and maturity beyond his years.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to develop a stronger arm to make deeper throws with consistency.
- Could improve his ability to extend plays with his legs.
Projected Draft Position: Second round, with potential to move up depending on his performances in the lead-up to the draft.
6. Will Howard (QB, Ohio State)
Will Howard is a consistent quarterback who has demonstrated solid decision-making and an ability to manage the game efficiently. He’s not the most physically gifted quarterback in the draft, but he compensates with his football intelligence, leadership, and ability to read defenses. His accuracy and touch on short and intermediate throws are his biggest strengths, but like many quarterbacks, he’ll need to continue developing his deep-ball accuracy to succeed at the next level.
Strengths:
- Excellent decision-making and ability to manage the offense.
- Consistent ball placement on short to intermediate throws.
- Strong leadership and poise in the pocket.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to improve deep-ball accuracy and arm strength.
- Could work on his mobility, as he’s not a major threat to run.
Projected Draft Position: Second round, likely as a solid developmental prospect.
7. Tyler Shough (QB, Louisville)
Tyler Shough is an intriguing prospect known for his strong arm and ability to make all the throws. However, his injury history has raised some concerns, and his decision-making has been inconsistent. When healthy, Shough displays the tools to be a successful NFL quarterback, with the ability to lead an offense with precision and power. His biggest challenge moving forward will be maintaining his health and continuing to improve his consistency.
Strengths:
- Strong arm with the ability to make all the throws at the next level.
- Great physical tools and size for an NFL quarterback.
Areas for Improvement:
- Injury history could be a red flag for some teams.
- Needs to improve consistency in decision-making and ball placement.
Projected Draft Position: Third round, with upside if he can stay healthy and improve his decision-making.
8. Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas)
Quinn Ewers has all the physical tools necessary to be an NFL quarterback, including a strong arm and the ability to make deep throws with accuracy. However, injuries have impacted his development, and consistency has been a concern. If Ewers can stay healthy and develop more consistency, he has the potential to rise up draft boards. His natural talent is undeniable, but his ability to refine his game will determine his draft stock.
Strengths:
- Strong arm with deep-ball accuracy.
- Good mechanics and the ability to make all the throws.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to stay healthy and develop consistency in his decision-making.
- Must refine his mechanics under pressure.
Projected Draft Position: Third to fourth round, with potential to rise based on his performances in the 2024 season.
9. Kyle McCord (QB, Syracuse)
Kyle McCord is a poised quarterback with the ability to execute a variety of throws with accuracy. He’s not the most physically gifted in the draft, but his football IQ and ability to read defenses stand out. McCord’s experience at Ohio State has prepared him for the NFL, and while he may not have elite tools, he has the potential to be a reliable quarterback at the next level.
Strengths:
- Strong football IQ and ability to read defenses.
- Accuracy on short to intermediate throws.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to improve deep-ball accuracy and arm strength.
- Must show more consistency in high-pressure situations.
Projected Draft Position: Third round, with potential to move up with strong performances leading into the draft.
10. Kurtis Rourke (QB, Indiana)
Kurtis Rourke is a dual-threat quarterback with the ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground. His decision-making and leadership have earned him recognition as one of the top quarterbacks outside the power conferences. Rourke’s mobility and ability to extend plays make him a unique prospect, and he will be closely watched in the lead-up to the 2025 draft.
Strengths:
- Dual-threat ability, capable of making plays with both his arm and legs.
- Strong decision-making and leadership qualities.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to develop better consistency in the passing game.
- Must prove he can transition from the lower levels of competition to the NFL.
Projected Draft Position: Fourth round, with the potential to rise based on his combine performance and pre-draft evaluations.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL Draft quarterback class features a diverse group of prospects, each with their own strengths and areas for improvement. Whether it’s the dual-threat potential of players like Cam Ward and Jalen Milroe, or the poised decision-making of Shedeur Sanders and Riley Leonard, the 2025 draft offers something for every team in need of a franchise quarterback. As we move closer to the draft, expect these rankings to shift as players continue to develop and showcase their abilities.