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The 2025 NFL Draft quarterback class lacks a generational talent at the top, but several prospects possess starting-caliber traits with the potential to develop into impact players at the next level. While this group doesn't have a clear-cut No. 1 overall lock like previous years, teams in need of a quarterback will find intriguing options with varying skill sets.
At the top, Shedeur Sanders stands out as the most polished passer in the class. His timing, accuracy, and anticipation make him an excellent fit in a rhythm-based passing game, though he must improve his pocket presence and ability to avoid sacks. Cam Ward follows closely behind with his elite arm talent, improvisational ability, and downfield aggression, making him an ideal fit for a vertical passing attack—if he can clean up his mechanics and decision-making. Tyler Shough rounds out the top three as an experienced, prototypical pocket passer with a strong arm and mobility, but his durability concerns and inconsistency raise questions about his long-term outlook.
Beyond the top names, the class is filled with developmental quarterbacks who could grow into starting roles with the right system and coaching. Teams looking for high-upside passers, mobile playmakers, or steady game managers will find intriguing options throughout the draft.
2025 NFL Draft: Quarterback Rankings
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.
1) Shedeur Sanders | Colorado | Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 215 lbs
Player Comparison: Andy Dalton
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.
2) Cam Ward | Miami | Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 220 lbs
Player Comparison: Geno Smith
Analysis: Ward is an elite arm talent with off-platform playmaking ability. His confidence and aggressive downfield mindset expand an offense, but his mechanics and decision-making under pressure remain inconsistent. He fits best in a vertical passing offense that allows him to take advantage of his big arm and mobility.
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
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.
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.