The quarterback position is always in demand as teams search for a difference-maker to shift the tide of their franchise. Let’s look at the upcoming draft pool. We’re ranking at the top-5 QB prospects entering the 2025 NFL Draft:
5. Carson Beck (Georgia)
The top tier of quarterbacks in the upcoming class is set. The second tier is more murky. Penn State’s Drew Allar and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier may have been included here, but both announced their intent to stay in school for another year. Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel was a Heisman finalist and has played a ton of ball, but there are concerns about his ceiling as a pro.
Carson Beck has yet to declare for the draft officially. He still has one year of eligibility if he chooses to use it. Entering the year, Beck was QB1 in some people’s eyes. A disappointing year for the Bulldog hurler has him tumbling down boards. Beck boasts the physical tools, but he’s not elite in any area and has been dreadfully inconsistent as a passer. A team will talk themselves into his upside if he enters the draft.
4. Quinn Ewers (Texas)
Ewers is in a similar spot to Beck. He could return to school for another year if he chooses. That school might not be Texas with Arch Manning waiting in the wings. It could benefit Ewers staying another year in college, but there’s some opportunity if he decides to declare for 2025. The draft class isn’t powerful this year, and there will be rough 8-to-10 NFL teams looking for a new quarterback in the offseason. High demand could push Ewers into the first round.
There are obvious traits in Ewers’ skillset that should translate to the next level. He’s a quick processor who isn’t afraid to push the ball downfield. He’s not a true dual threat, but he’s mobile enough to navigate the pocket and buy time. Ewers has struggled with accuracy this year, but he’s competitive and doesn’t shy away from big moments. He could have a very long NFL career.
3. Jalen Milroe (Alabama)
Milroe is one of the most impressive athletes to play QB in a long time. The Alabama hurler is dynamic as a runner and has a cannon for an arm. He shredded SEC defenses on the ground, racking up 32 rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons.
Of course, he has his warts as a passer, but Milroe showed signs of improvement in ’24. For one, he reduced his sack total from 44 the previous year to 18. Avoiding sacks and other negative plays is imperative to long-term success in the NFL. Milroe has the talent, but he’s not a finished product.
Any team drafting Milroe will have to be patient. He was only a two-year starter for the Crimson Tide. He has obvious flaws in his game that need ironing out. Throwing him out as your Week 1 starter is not a reasonable plan. The best landing spot for Milroe is likely with a team that already has a veteran QB in place. That would allow Milroe to sit for a year and learn under a more experienced player.
2. Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)
Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders is the most pro-ready QB in the class. He’s extremely accurate, poised under pressure, and won’t crack under the spotlight. Sanders led a one-dimensional offense to great heights. The Buffaloes were not a good running team, and the offensive line routinely allowed free rushers. Sanders was able to navigate through a mediocre situation and still produced at a high level.
The son of a Hall of Famer, it will be interesting to see how much influence Deion has on Shedeur’s NFL path. Will it potentially impact his draft position? We saw a similar situation unfold with Eli Manning 20 years ago, but the league is different now. It would not be surprising at all to see Shedeur taken as the first QB off the board in April.
1. Cam Ward (Miami)
After a strong campaign at Washington State, Cam Ward tested the draft waters a year ago. He reportedly received a late-round draft grade and eventually opted to return to college for another year. The Texas native committed to the University of Miami, and it ended up being a great decision.
Ward was a Heisman finalist while leading the No. 1 scoring offense in the country. He excelled at making plays out of structure and never looked rattled. Teams looking for a franchise cornerstone will value his calm demeanor and leadership skills. Ward has a live arm and is a good athlete capable of making plays with his legs.
His decision-making will need polishing. Ward is a bit of a gunslinger which led to some puzzling interceptions. He’s also vulnerable to holding onto the ball for too long. Still, Ward is a legitimate playmaker with solid physical traits. His experience (56 career starts in college) and upside make him the No. 1 QB prospect on the board.
