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We are in the midst of college football bowl season, and the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff kicks off this week. With that in mind, I wanted to explore five of the biggest NFL Draft questions heading into this pivotal time.
Who is the QB1 in the 2025 NFL Draft? Who is the top riser and faller on draft boards from the 2024 college football season? Additionally, how does this year’s draft class compare to previous years, and which team will secure the No. 1 overall pick—and what will they do with it?
1. Who has been the biggest riser throughout the season?
Throughout the 2024 college football season, the debate over QB1 for the 2025 NFL Draft evolved significantly. Early on, it seemed to center on Georgia’s Carson Beck and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Other names like Miller Moss and Garrett Nussmeier surged briefly in the early weeks, followed by Quinn Ewers gaining attention after a standout performance against Michigan. However, as the season progressed and competition intensified, two quarterbacks maintained the highest level of consistency at football’s most important position: Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward.
Cam Ward capped off the 2024 season as the nation’s second-leading passer in yards and led all quarterbacks in touchdown passes. He completed 67% of his throws with just seven interceptions, demonstrating both efficiency and playmaking ability. Ward’s impressive performance earned him a trip to New York as a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Ward’s meteoric rise is even more remarkable when you consider his humble beginnings. He entered college as a zero-star recruit with only one offer—from Incarnate Word. After lighting up the field for two seasons there, Ward transferred to Washington State, where he continued to shine. Following the 2023 season, Ward contemplated entering the 2024 NFL Draft but received third- to fourth-round predraft grades from NFL scouts. Rather than settling, he opted to return for his final year of college eligibility to improve his game. Entering the transfer portal, he became a highly coveted recruit and ultimately chose the Miami Hurricanes—a decision that has since paid off in spades.
Cam Ward’s decision to return to college football transformed his draft stock. Once projected as a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, he is now firmly in the conversation as a potential top-10 pick in 2025 following a phenomenal season with the Hurricanes.
2. Which player did not perform up to expectations?
Heading into the 2024 college football season, Georgia’s Carson Beck was one of the most hyped quarterback prospects, often mentioned as a contender for QB1 in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Bulldogs were primed for another championship run, and Beck’s physical tools—his size, arm strength, and passing efficiency—gave scouts reasons to believe he could emerge as one of the best signal-callers in the nation. However, the season did not go as planned for Beck, as inconsistent performances and a lack of signature moments caused his draft stock to tumble.
Beck showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season, but he struggled to deliver consistently against elite competition. His issues with processing defenses and operating under pressure were particularly evident in Georgia’s most critical matchups. While his arm talent remained undeniable, his accuracy wavered at times, especially in high-leverage situations. Moreover, Beck’s tendency to rely heavily on his first read rather than progressing through his options raised concerns among scouts about his readiness for the next level.
Injuries to key offensive weapons and turnover on Georgia's offensive line also played a role in Beck’s struggles. However, quarterbacks at the next level are often evaluated based on how they elevate their teammates, and Beck fell short in this regard. Unlike other top prospects who consistently found ways to overcome adversity, Beck's performances were too often defined by inconsistency.
By the end of the season, the debate over Beck as QB1 was no longer relevant, as he had firmly dropped out of Day 1 contention. While he did show improvement in the latter part of the season, it wasn’t enough to restore the confidence scouts had in him at the start of the year. Beck now faces an uphill battle to rebuild his draft stock, and an NFL team will need to see significant development before investing a high pick in him. At this point, he is projected as a Day 2 prospect, possibly even falling to the mid-to-late rounds if concerns about his consistency persist through the pre-draft process.
Beck’s season serves as a cautionary tale of how quickly preseason hype can evaporate when expectations aren’t met, especially in a quarterback class where others rose to seize the spotlight.
3. How does the top of this draft compare to years past?
The 2025 NFL Draft class presents a unique profile compared to recent years. While it lacks the blue-chip, can't-miss prospects at marquee positions like quarterback and wide receiver, it more than compensates with depth in defensive talent and versatility across the board.
Defensive Depth Leads the Way
This draft is shaping up to be one of the deepest defensive classes in recent memory. Players like Georgia’s Mykel Williams (EDGE), Michigan’s Mason Graham (DT), and Malachi Starks (S) headline a defensive crop loaded with both top-tier talent and positional depth. Travis Hunter’s decision to classify as either a cornerback or wide receiver will also play a significant role in the defensive rankings. If Hunter declares as a cornerback, he’ll challenge Michigan’s Will Johnson for CB1 status, giving this cornerback class a dynamic 1-2 punch rarely seen in past drafts. The defensive edge and interior linemen positions in particular are among the strongest in recent years, echoing the depth of the 2022 draft that saw Travon Walker go No. 1 overall.
Offensive Positional Concerns
On the offensive side, the quarterback class doesn’t match the top-end star power of the 2024 class, which featured Caleb Williams and Drake Maye as elite, franchise-level talents. While Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward headline the group, the overall depth is less inspiring, with players like Quinn Ewers, Jalen Milroe, and Garrett Nussmeier offering potential but inconsistent resumes. For wide receivers, the class hinges on the decision of Travis Hunter. If Hunter opts to focus on being a full-time WR, he’s the clear WR1, but if he commits to defense, players like Tetairoa McMillan and Luther Burden III will step into the spotlight. This receiver group lacks the generational talent of 2024 but offers intriguing versatility and depth into the middle rounds.
Running Backs and Tight Ends Stand Out
Running back is one of the standout positions in the 2025 draft. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty leads the class as a potential first-rounder, with comparisons to Bijan Robinson and Saquon Barkley for his balance of speed, power, and contact balance. The depth at running back extends into Day 2 and 3, making this class particularly exciting for teams looking to upgrade their backfields. Tight ends also feature a strong group, led by Michigan’s Colston Loveland and Penn State’s Tyler Warren. Both players offer size, athleticism, and the ability to contribute as versatile offensive weapons.
Overall Comparison
The 2025 draft resembles the 2022 class in terms of its defensive dominance, with fewer top-10-caliber players at offensive skill positions. It lacks the generational talents seen in 2024 at quarterback and wide receiver, but the depth in positions like EDGE, defensive tackle, and running back ensures that teams in need of foundational defensive pieces or dynamic runners will have ample options. This class may not dominate headlines for its star power, but its depth, particularly on defense, makes it a strong class for teams seeking long-term contributors.
4. Who is QB1 as of now and why?
At this point in the draft process, Shedeur Sanders stands out as QB1 for the 2025 NFL Draft. While this quarterback class may not feature the projected generational talent seen in 2024 with Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, Sanders' leadership, toughness, and overall body of work make him the premier quarterback prospect in this group. His ability to rise above challenging circumstances, particularly playing behind subpar offensive lines at Colorado, demonstrates the resilience and poise NFL teams seek in a franchise quarterback.
Sanders finished the 2024 college football season with a stellar stat line: 3,926 passing yards (3rd in the nation), 35 passing touchdowns, a 74% completion percentage, and just 6 interceptions. Additionally, he added 5 rushing touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
This consistent production, even in difficult circumstances at times in 2024, more so in 2023 with a bad offensive line, is a testament to Sanders' ability to handle adversity. These traits were evident not just during his time at Colorado but also in his tenure at Jackson State. His 2024 campaign culminated in a trip to New York as a Heisman Trophy finalist, further cementing his status as one of the top players in the nation.
The QB1 Debate: Shedeur Sanders vs. Cam Ward
The race for QB1 ultimately comes down to Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward. Ward’s combination of arm strength, athleticism, and a breakout 2024 campaign makes him a compelling candidate, but I am narrowly leaning toward Shedeur Sanders. Both players have faced their fair share of adversity in different ways, but Sanders possesses that "it factor" and confidence you want in a franchise quarterback. While some may perceive his confidence as entitled arrogance, NFL scouts, coaches, and future teammates are likely to embrace his unwavering belief in himself and his ability to lead.
At the end of the day, the quarterback position is the most critical in football, and Sanders’ unique combination of production, leadership, and toughness firmly sets him apart in this draft class. While the debate between Sanders and Ward will undoubtedly continue into the pre-draft process, the evaluation must go beyond their impressive statistical résumés. Both players have demonstrated the ability to produce at a high level, but the ultimate decision will likely hinge on intangible qualities—leadership, poise, and the confidence to inspire teammates and command a locker room. In this regard, Sanders' undeniable presence and ability to elevate those around him may give him the edge.
5. Who will have the No. top pick, and what will they do with it?
As of today, the Raiders and Giants are in a position to pick at the top of the 2025 NFL Draft. Both teams are in dire need of a quarterback, and most early mock drafts project some combination of Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders going first and second overall. Both quarterbacks bring a mix of leadership, production, and potential, making them logical picks for teams looking to reset at football’s most important position. The debate between Ward’s arm talent and athleticism versus Sanders’ leadership and poise will likely dominate the pre-draft conversation.
However, if the draft order shifts to include teams like the Panthers, Jaguars, or Patriots picking at No. 1 or No. 2, the equation changes significantly in what is shaping up to be a defense-heavy draft. For instance, if the Jaguars land the top pick, they might opt for Sanders’ teammate and Heisman winner Travis Hunter. Hunter’s versatility as either a wide receiver, cornerback, or even a two-way player makes him a rare and tantalizing talent who could transform any team. The Jaguars could also address their secondary needs by selecting Michigan’s elite cornerback Will Johnson, who has drawn comparisons to Patrick Surtain and would instantly upgrade their defense on day one.
Another name to watch for the top two picks is Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham. Graham’s ability to dominate the interior line, both as a run-stopper and as a pocket-collapsing pass rusher, makes him one of the most impactful players in this draft class. For teams like the Panthers or Patriots, who could benefit from bolstering their defensive fronts, Graham represents a cornerstone player who can reshape a defense. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism could make him a surprising contender for the No. 1 overall pick, depending on team needs and the final draft order.