2025 NFL Draft: Quarterback Rankings

The 2025 quarterback class lacks a generational No. 1 overall lock like in recent years, but one name has finally separated from the pack. Cam Ward has surged to the top of the board with his elite arm talent, poise under pressure, and dynamic off-platform playmaking—cementing himself as QB1 and a likely No. 1 overall pick.

Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders remains a close second, offering high-level field vision, accuracy, and decision-making that fits today’s rhythm-based NFL offenses. Though stylistically different, both bring franchise potential in the right systems.

Behind them, a wide range of developmental and pro-ready quarterbacks offer varying traits—mobility, toughness, arm strength, and poise. This class might lack a Trevor Lawrence-type generational talent, but it has depth and intrigue, particularly with scheme-specific fits and long-term upside.

Near Elite Tier - 1st Round Projection

Prospects in this tier possess elite physical tools and production but may need refinement or have slight limitations preventing them from reaching the “Elite” category.

1) Cam Ward | Miami | Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 220 lbs

Player Comparison: Justin Fields meets Josh Allen (without the size)

Analysis: Ward is a dynamic, fearless passer with elite off-platform ability, arm angles, and downfield aggression. He showed outstanding poise and growth at Miami, elevating his NFL readiness. The gap between him and the rest of the class has widened post-Pro Day. A perfect fit for vertical, play-extending offensive systems.

High-Level Starter Potential – Late 1st to Early 2nd Round Projection

A high-floor, pro-ready quarterback with advanced processing, accuracy, and poise. Lacks elite traits but has the tools to thrive early in the right structure.

2) Shedeur Sanders | Colorado | Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 215 lbs

Player Comparison: Joe Burrow Ceiling, with Andy Dalton floor

Analysis: Sanders is a polished pocket passer with elite ball placement, field vision, and anticipation. His ability to dissect defenses in a rhythm-based offense makes him a high-floor prospect. However, he must improve his pocket movement and ability to avoid sacks to maximize his potential as an NFL starter.

Mid-Level Starter Potential - 2nd/3rd Round Projection

A projected starter with strong physical tools and solid mechanics. While they have some limitations, development can elevate them into a consistent impact player.

3) Tyler Shough | Louisville | Ht: 6'5" | Wt: 225 lbs

Player Comparison: Not Available

Analysis: Shough has the ideal size, arm strength, and mobility for the NFL. His ability to operate within play-action and RPO-heavy systems makes him an intriguing prospect. However, durability concerns and inconsistency have hampered his development, making him a high-upside project rather than a plug-and-play starter.

4) Jaxson Dart | Ole Miss | Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 220 lbs

Player Comparison: Gardner Minshew

Analysis: Dart is a tough, athletic quarterback with a quick release and a strong arm. He excels in RPO-heavy offenses where his fast decision-making and quick processing shine. However, he needs to improve his deep-ball accuracy and full-field reads to become a long-term NFL starter.

5) Quinn Ewers | Texas | Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 206 lbs

Player Comparison: Derek Carr (Maybe)

Analysis: Ewers is a naturally gifted passer with a quick release and high-level touch on throws at all three levels. He thrives in structured offenses but struggles with pocket awareness, deep-ball consistency, and ball security. His ability to develop within a system will determine his long-term ceiling.

6) Will Howard | Ohio State | Ht: 6'4" | Wt: 235 lbs

Player Comparison: Ryan Tannehill

Analysis: Howard has intriguing size, arm strength, and athleticism, making him a solid developmental prospect. He thrives in vertical passing attacks but needs refinement in accuracy, mechanics, and decision-making under pressure. His potential as a dual-threat QB adds value to his projection.

7) Kyle McCord | Syracuse | Ht: 6'3" | Wt: 224 lbs

Player Comparison: Kirk Cousins

Analysis: McCord is a mechanically sound pocket passer with high-level timing and accuracy. He fits well in structured offenses that emphasize quick decision-making. His lack of mobility and struggles under pressure cap his ceiling, but he has the tools to be a reliable game manager.

Low-Level Starter Potential - 4th/7th Round Projection

A developmental quarterback who has physical traits or experience but lacks the complete skill set to be a long-term franchise solution.

8) Jalen Milroe | Alabama | Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 220 lbs

Player Comparison: Lamar Jackson (lite)

Analysis: Milroe is an elite athlete with dynamic rushing ability and a powerful arm. His upside as a modern dual-threat QB is enticing, but he must refine his pocket presence, accuracy, and decision-making under pressure to become a consistent NFL starter. Best suited for a system incorporating designed QB runs and RPOs.

9) Dillon Gabriel | Oregon | Ht: 6'0" | Wt: 200 lbs

Player Comparison: Gardner Minshew

Analysis: Gabriel is a smart, timing-based passer who thrives in RPO-heavy offenses. His short-to-intermediate accuracy and ability to process quickly make him a great fit for a spread or West Coast scheme. However, his average arm strength and lack of top-tier athleticism limit his ceiling as a high-end starter.

10) Kurtis Rourke | Indiana | Ht: 6'5" | Wt: 223 lbs

Player Comparison: Philip Rivers

Analysis: Rourke possesses great size, touch, and field vision. He operates well in structured offenses that emphasize quick, on-time throws and vertical play-action shots. His mobility and pocket movement need improvement, but his arm talent and processing ability give him long-term upside.

Backup Level – Day 3 Projection or Priority UDFA

Developmental quarterbacks with physical tools, experience, or intangibles but lacking the consistency, traits, or upside to be long-term starters.

11) Riley Leonard | Notre Dame | Ht: 6'4" | Wt: 216 lbs

Player Comparison: Not Available

Analysis: Leonard is an intriguing blend of size, mobility, and arm strength. He fits well in pro-style offenses that emphasize play-action and vertical throws. His ability to extend plays adds value, but inconsistent ball placement and decision-making make him a long-term project rather than an immediate contributor.

2025 NFL Draft: Quarterback Rankings – Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders & Tyler Shough Lead an Uncertain Class