2025 NFL Draft: Top 10 Quarterback Rankings

The 2025 NFL Draft features a diverse group of quarterback prospects, each offering a different path to success at the next level. The quarterback position is the most crucial position in football, and is often the most difficult position for NFL teams to scout. That especially is the case for this class in which no player is seen as a complete prospect. With that being said, I have done a great amount of work scouting and analyzing the quarterbacks in this class and I have formed my own rankings of the position. Here’s a deep dive into my top quarterbacks in this class.

1. Cam Ward – Miami

Age: 22 | Height/Weight: 6’2″, 220 lbs
2024 Stats: 4,312 passing yards, 39 touchdowns, 7 interceptions | QBR: 88.7 (2nd in CFB)

Cam Ward is the clear-cut QB1 in this year’s class. Following a transfer to Miami, he lit up the ACC in 2024 with over 4,300 passing yards and 39 touchdowns while throwing just seven interceptions. His QBR of 88.7 ranked second in the nation, validating the production with elite efficiency.

Ward possesses a lightning-quick release and elite arm strength, routinely threading the needle into tight windows with velocity. He thrives in the intermediate passing game and has shown an innate ability to throw receivers open. His mechanics are compact, and he’s capable of delivering from multiple platforms with a natural feel for adjusting arm angles based on pressure or throwing lanes. He’s an instinctive playmaker who can create outside of structure without panicking or losing discipline.

One of Ward’s standout traits is his ability to extend plays without sacrificing his eyes downfield. He isn’t a true dual-threat quarterback, but he’s highly effective at navigating pressure in the pocket and buying time with subtle movements or rollouts. He processes information quickly and can identify pre-snap leverage to exploit soft zones or mismatches.

Ward does need refinement. His footwork, particularly when facing pressure, is inconsistent—often defaulting to back-foot throws instead of resetting his base. While his deep ball can be beautiful when on target, his accuracy on longer throws can waver, particularly when forced off-platform. Ball security is a real concern; his eight fumbles last season came largely while extending plays outside the pocket, where he often leaves the ball exposed.

Additionally, he can be baited into mistakes by advanced coverages. Disguised safeties and post-snap rotations have caused him to make a few ill-advised throws. His aggressive mindset is a strength but needs to be tempered with discipline.

Projection:

Ward has every tool needed to be a top-tier NFL quarterback. With the right coaching and system around him he can become a franchise cornerstone anywhere, and likely will be in Tennessee.

Value:

Round 1

2. Jaxson Dart – Ole Miss

Age: 21 | Height/Weight: 6’2″, 225 lbs
2024 Stats: 4,278 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, 6 interceptions | QBR: 86.3 (4th in CFB)

Jaxson Dart is one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in this draft. A three-year starter at Ole Miss, Dart made major strides in 2024 both statistically and as a leader. His production—nearly 4,300 yards and a stellar 86.3 QBR—came while leading an offense that often leaned heavily on his ability to create when the structure broke down.

Dart plays with an aggressive mindset. He gets the ball out quickly and with confidence, using a fluid throwing motion and an explosive release. His arm strength is legitimate—he can hit every level of the field, and his velocity allows him to squeeze throws into windows most college quarterbacks wouldn’t even attempt. He excels on quick-game concepts and thrives when throwing in rhythm, especially on intermediate timing routes.

A true dual-threat quarterback, Dart can hurt defenses with his legs. He’s not just fast, he runs willing to fight or make a move for extra yardage. He always keeps his eyes downfield when scrambling, and his ability to throw on the move is a plus. Perhaps Dart’s most endearing trait, however, is his leadership. He’s a fiery competitor who takes accountability for mistakes and uplifts his teammates. His response to Ole Miss’ early season loss, calling a player-led meeting and helping reset the locker room tone, speaks major volumes showing true leadership through actions not just words.

Under pressure, Dart can get jittery. He’ll occasionally rush throws or abandon mechanics, resulting in missed opportunities. Against elite defenses, he struggled to find consistency, partly due to poor offensive line play and limited run support, but also because pressure tends to speed up his internal clock. His accuracy is generally good but his placement is not surgical, especially in the red zone where ball placement becomes paramount.

Defensive complexity can still rattle him, he’s shown vulnerability to post-snap rotations and simulated pressure looks, which have led to a few turnover-worthy plays. While most of his issues are coachable, he will need to tighten up decision-making and improve his composure under fire.

Projection:

Dart offers tremendous upside. He has the physical tools, mental toughness, and leadership acumen to become a franchise quarterback. With proper coaching to smooth out the wrinkles, he could easily end up being the best quarterback from this class.

Value:

Round 1

3. Shedeur Sanders – Colorado

Age: 23 | Height/Weight: 6’2″, 212 lbs
2024 Stats: 4,145 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, 10 interceptions | QBR: 75.5 (20th in CFB)

Shedeur Sanders is one of the most prepared quarterbacks to make the NFL leap. His football IQ and pocket passing mechanics are already NFL-caliber, and he’s a true technician at the short and intermediate levels. In 2024, despite constant pressure and an often-overmatched supporting cast, Sanders threw for over 4,100 yards and 37 touchdowns. His ability to stay composed in a chaotic environment is one of his most defining traits.

Sanders is a cerebral quarterback. His pre-snap processing is advanced—he’s constantly identifying mismatches, coverages, and pressure packages. He has shown the ability to diagnose blitzes and audible to hot reads with confidence. When the ball comes out on time, his precision and ball placement are elite in the short-to-mid range.

His mechanics are polished, with a smooth, repeatable release. While he isn’t a major running threat, Sanders has enough mobility to escape pressure and extend plays. He’s especially dangerous when working within a clean pocket where he can scan the field and make smart decisions.

His biggest red flag is pocket presence. Sanders took 52 sacks in 2024, and while many came from Colorado’s porous offensive line, a sizable number were the result of his own habits. He has a tendency to drift backward rather than stepping up into the pocket, and he often holds the ball too long while waiting for routes to develop. He’s hesitant to throw receivers open or trust anticipation windows, which could become a bigger issue against NFL-level defenders.

While he’s accurate, his arm strength is average. He can hit deep throws when he has time and space, but doesn’t generate effortless velocity on off-platform attempts. His ability to push the ball downfield is limited by both mechanics and natural arm talent. He also isn’t particularly dynamic on the move, which caps his improvisational upside.

Projection:

Shedeur Sanders should be able to step into an NFL locker room and compete for a starting role early in his career. He’s one of the safest quarterbacks in the class from a processing and accuracy standpoint, though his physical limitations may lower his ceiling. In the right offense—one built around timing, rhythm, and quick decision-making—Sanders could be highly effective.

Value:

1st-2nd Round

4. Jalen Milroe – Alabama

Age: 22 | Height/Weight: 6’2″, 225 lbs
2024 Stats: 2,844 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, 11 interceptions | 706 rushing yards, 20 rushing TDs | QBR: 78.4 (15th in CFB)

Jalen Milroe is one of the most explosive athletes at the quarterback position to enter the draft in years. While his passing production in 2024 was underwhelming, he made up for it on the ground—scoring 20 rushing touchdowns and racking up over 700 yards with his legs. Milroe is a playmaker in the truest sense, capable of changing a game in a single snap.

When in rhythm, Milroe shows flashes of high-level quarterback play. His release is compact, and he has a quick trigger when making simple reads. His arm strength is above average—he can hit deep throws with velocity and make tight-window passes, especially when working play-action concepts. At his best, Milroe combines dynamic rushing ability with enough arm talent to keep defenses honest.

His early-season stretch in 2024 was especially encouraging. Through the first four games, including a standout performance against Georgia, he looked like a top-5 pick—posting over 1,200 total yards and 18 combined touchdowns to just 1 interceptions. That stretch hinted at the kind of player Milroe could become.

Consistency is a major issue. Milroe’s accuracy and decision-making are currently below NFL standards. He often struggles to progress beyond his first read and will force passes into coverage when panicked. His fundamentals in the pocket are raw—he rarely resets his feet, and his ball placement suffers as a result. His processing speed is slow, and he doesn’t yet show the anticipation necessary to consistently attack NFL windows.

Milroe is prone to turnovers and needs a total recalibration in how he approaches the passing game. He was able to perform with his athleticism at Alabama, but that won’t be enough in the NFL without substantial mechanical and mental development.

Projection:

Milroe is a high-upside developmental prospect. A team willing to invest time and coaching into his growth could unlock something special. His floor is low as he may never become a starting-caliber passer, but his ceiling is among the highest in this class if everything clicks.

Value:

Round 2-3

5. Quinn Ewers – Texas

Age: 22 | Height/Weight: 6’2″, 215 lbs
2024 Stats: 3,423 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, 12 interceptions | QBR: 75.4 (21st in CFB)

Quinn Ewers enters the draft as a well-known name with one of the most naturally gifted arms in the class. His ability to generate power and velocity from various platforms is rare. Ewers makes some of the most impressive highlight throws you’ll see, often firing passes into windows that few college quarterbacks can access. He excels on vertical concepts and intermediate timing routes, regularly hitting receivers in stride to maximize yards after the catch.

Ewers also demonstrates creative arm angles and a strong understanding of ball placement on deeper throws. He’s confident in his ability to attack any area of the field and shows advanced anticipation when working from clean pockets.

However, the consistency just isn’t there. Ewers is surprisingly unreliable in the short game—routine screen passes and quick outs often miss their marks. He has a habit of overcomplicating simple throws, and his footwork can get lazy in the pocket. Under pressure, he’s prone to panic and often fails to go through progressions.

His mobility is limited, and he offers very little as a runner. This restricts what a coordinator can scheme up and makes him more reliant on a strong offensive line. Add in a concerning history of upper-body injuries and there are real durability concerns.

Projection:

Ewers has high-level traits and could develop into a capable starter with the right mentor and system. At worst, he profiles as a high-upside backup who can spot start in the right conditions. His ceiling is determined by how much he can clean up his decision making, show more consistency, and handle pressure more effectively.

Value:

Round 3

6. Will Howard – Ohio State

Age: 23 | Height/Weight: 6’4″, 236 lbs
2024 Stats: 4,019 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, 10 interceptions | QBR: 89.6 (1st in CFB)

Will Howard enters the draft with perhaps the most NFL-ready body and prototypical size among the 2025 quarterback class. At 6’4″ and 236 pounds, Howard has the frame to withstand NFL-level hits and the arm strength to make every throw on the field. After transferring to Ohio State and stepping into a high-powered offense, he led the nation in QBR at 89.6 while tossing 35 touchdowns and eclipsing 4,000 yards. On paper, Howard looks like a plug-and-play starter. But on film, the evaluation becomes more nuanced.

Mechanically, Howard has moments of brilliance. When everything is clean—his feet set, timing right, and platform balanced—he can generate natural torque and rip the ball on intermediate throws with velocity and pinpoint accuracy. His footwork under center is smooth and well-rehearsed, a sign of his comfort in pro-style sets. Howard’s anticipation and timing are also notable. He regularly throws receivers open and demonstrates a veteran-level grasp of pre-snap reads, adjusting protections and identifying hot routes with ease.

However, his play becomes significantly less consistent when things aren’t perfect. Howard lacks improvisational instincts and struggles once the first read is covered. Off-script, he tends to freeze or make late, risky throws that lead to drive-killing plays. His decision-making slows considerably when forced off-platform, and mechanical breakdowns in these moments lead to errant passes. Despite his sturdy frame, Howard is a non-threat as a runner and offers no real value extending plays with his legs.

Projection:

Will Howard is the definition of a high-floor, low-ceiling quarterback prospect. He’s ready to operate in a structured, rhythm-based NFL offense and can serve as a reliable backup or spot starter. However, he lacks the dynamic tools or improvisational ability to become a long-term starting quarterback. In the right system with a strong offensive line, he can manage games at a high level, but he is not someone to build an offense around.

Value:

Early Day 3

7. Tyler Shough – Louisville

Age: 25 | Height/Weight: 6’5″, 220 lbs
2024 Stats: 3,187 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, 6 interceptions | QBR: 75.0 (24th in CFB)

Tyler Shough is one of the most physically intriguing prospects in the 2025 class. Standing at 6’5″, he boasts a live arm and the mobility to be a dual-threat weapon. Shough brings a mature game shaped by years in college, including a stint in a pro-style system at Louisville where he showed flashes of NFL-caliber skill. His release is compact and clean, and he has the ability to alter his arm angle on the move—something many passers his size struggle with.

His natural velocity is impressive. Shough can push the ball vertically with ease, and his placement on deep throws is among the best in the class. He reads defenses well before the snap and executes quick-game concepts efficiently. He’s also a better athlete than he gets credit for—able to evade pressure and pick up chunk plays with his legs when the play breaks down.

But for every flash of starter-level talent, there’s a red flag that can’t be ignored. Shough will be 25 years old by the time he enters the league, which significantly narrows his developmental runway. More concerning are the durability issues—he’s dealt with multiple collarbone injuries and a broken fibula, all of which raise serious questions about his ability to stay on the field.

Even when healthy, Shough struggles under pressure. His processing seems to short-circuit when a play breaks down, leading to erratic decisions and poor throws. He can become skittish in the pocket despite his size, often rushing through reads or locking onto his primary receiver. Against aggressive pass rushes, he has a tendency to throw into coverage or take unnecessary sacks, and his ball placement nosedives in those moments.

Projection:

Tyler Shough has the physical and mental makeup to be a high-level backup in the NFL. While the upside is there in flashes, his age, health concerns, and inconsistency when pressured make it unlikely he becomes a full-time starter. That said, his experience in pro-style systems and baseline talent make him a worthwhile investment for teams seeking a capable QB2 who can step in during injury situations or short-term stretches.

Value:

Early Day 3

8. Dillon Gabriel – Oregon

Age: 24 | Height/Weight: 5’11”, 205 lbs
2024 Stats: 3,857 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, 6 interceptions | QBR: 86.4 (3rd in CFB)

Dillon Gabriel is the definition of a seasoned, savvy college quarterback. He played with outstanding consistency in 2024 for Oregon, displaying one of the best blends of experience, decision-making, and situational awareness in the country. His QBR of 86.4 ranked third nationally, and he played a vital role in Oregon’s offensive success with over 3,800 yards and 30 touchdowns to just six interceptions.

Gabriel thrives in the mental aspects of the position. His pre-snap recognition is among the best in the class—regularly diagnosing safety rotations, baiting defenders with his eyes, and leveraging leverage advantages for explosive plays. His post-snap processing is just as advanced. He moves through reads efficiently and rarely forces a throw into coverage. He’s extremely situationally aware—knows down and distance, anticipates blitzes, and doesn’t make bone-headed decisions under pressure.

Mechanically, Gabriel is clean. His release is compact and repeatable, and while his arm isn’t elite, he gets the ball out with enough zip on short and intermediate routes to keep the offense on schedule. He shows excellent ball placement, often hitting receivers in stride, maximizing yards after the catch. He’s particularly adept on timing routes and touch throws, frequently placing the ball just over linebackers and underneath safeties.

However, Gabriel is significantly undersized by NFL standards. At 5’11” and 205 pounds, with relatively small hands and short arms, he lacks the physical tools most evaluators look for in a starting-caliber quarterback. His size limits both his passing angles and ball velocity on deep outs or sideline throws. He struggles to drive the ball into tight windows downfield, especially outside the numbers. While he has good mechanics, there are natural limitations in how much power he can generate from his frame. Additionally, his small hands may present fumbling risks under NFL pass-rush pressure.

Projection:

Gabriel’s football IQ, consistency, and experience make him an attractive option as a long-term backup or spot starter. He may not have the physical profile of a starter, but he’s the type of quarterback coaches trust to execute a game plan, take care of the football, and lead in the locker room. His ceiling is capped, but his floor is solid.

Value:

Day 3

9. Kurtis Rourke – Indiana

Age: 24 | Height/Weight: 6’5″, 220 lbs
2024 Stats: 3,042 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, 5 interceptions | QBR: 85.1 (5th in CFB)

Kurtis Rourke is one of the more overlooked but quietly efficient passers in this year’s draft. After transferring to Indiana, Rourke delivered a clean, efficient season—throwing 29 touchdowns to just five interceptions and ranking fifth in the country in QBR. His game is built on poise, polish, and precision in the short and intermediate areas of the field.

Rourke has a textbook delivery—compact, smooth, and repeatable. His consistency leads to excellent accuracy and timing, particularly on layered throws over linebackers and between safeties. He has a natural feel for trajectory and excels in situations that require touch and anticipation. Rourke stands tall in the pocket, unafraid to take hits as he delivers the ball. His willingness to hang tough and complete passes under duress shows a level of toughness that NFL teams will appreciate.

From a mental standpoint, Rourke is a steady operator. He’s smart pre-snap, doesn’t panic when his first read isn’t there, and rarely turns the ball over. He plays within structure and has proven capable of running a pro-style offense with efficiency and command.

While Rourke checks many boxes mentally and mechanically, his arm strength is limited. His deep ball lacks the velocity and drive needed to consistently threaten defenses downfield. The ball tends to float when he targets deeper routes, making it easier for defenders to recover or undercut passes. He’s also limited as an athlete. Despite his size, he doesn’t extend plays well outside the pocket and struggles when structure breaks down. His improvisational ability is minimal.

Perhaps most concerning is the recent ACL surgery he underwent, which will be scrutinized heavily during the draft process. With mobility already limited, any lingering effects could further cap his ability to adapt at the next level.

Projection:

Rourke has the look of a dependable game manager at the NFL level. He’s likely viewed as a strong QB2 option—efficient, accurate, and mentally sharp, but physically limited. He may never be a dynamic starter, but he’s the kind of quarterback who can step in and stabilize a game if needed.

Value:

Late Day 3

10. Kyle McCord – Syracuse

Age: 22 | Height/Weight: 6’3″, 220 lbs
2024 Stats: 4,779 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, 12 interceptions | QBR: 78.6 (14th in CFB)

Kyle McCord posted one of the most statistically impressive seasons in college football in 2024, throwing for nearly 4,800 yards and 34 touchdowns. After transferring to Syracuse, he was given the keys to the offense and did not disappoint from a volume standpoint. McCord excels in rhythm passing, particularly in the intermediate game where his timing and touch are advanced.

He is very quick and efficient with his reads when operating in structure. His mechanics are clean in rhythm, and his footwork—while not elite—is consistent enough to deliver accurately on first-read throws. McCord shows excellent decision-making in the red zone and often hits tight windows where only his receiver can make a play. His best attribute might be his ability to get the ball out on time—his quick trigger is a weapon, especially against soft zone defenses.

He also moves well within the pocket. While not mobile in the traditional sense, McCord has the awareness to subtly slide or reset his feet under pressure while keeping his eyes downfield. When protected, he can be surgical. His deep ball, when set, is very solid—capable of stretching the field and hitting vertical routes with precision.

However, McCord is not a quarterback who thrives outside the pocket. He lacks athleticism and creative instincts, which make him a liability when the play breaks down. When pressure gets to him, his mechanics fall apart—often resulting in overthrows or poor foot placement. He struggles to throw off-platform and doesn’t have the natural arm flexibility to adjust angles on the fly.

His aggressive mentality can also work against him. McCord occasionally tries to force the ball into tight windows, especially down the field, leading to ill-timed turnovers. While his arm is good, it’s not elite, and he doesn’t have the kind of playmaking ability that can mask those limitations. He’s at his best in clean pockets with well-defined reads, but once that order breaks, his effectiveness sharply declines.

Projection:

McCord projects as a developmental backup with fringe-starter upside. His production will get attention, but he’s going to need a lot of coaching to smooth out the rough edges, especially in how he handles pressure. In the right system—ideally one that leans on quick throws and keeps him in rhythm—he can serve as a reliable QB2. But he’ll face a steeper adjustment curve at the next level compared to some of the other quarterbacks in this class.

Value:

Late Day 3