For groups that handed on free agent choices—or may nonetheless be ready on the altar for a sure somebody to determine—the draft must be the main target.
The pool of expertise doesn’t examine to the 2024 class, which featured a surefire No. 1 choose in Caleb Williams and a closer-than-we-knew runner-up in Jayden Daniels amongst six quarterbacks within the prime 12 alternatives.
With the mud of free company settling, there are nonetheless solutions at quarterback. The 2025 class grades as a strong B, even when it’s missing high-end, first-round expertise.
Listed here are the highest 5 QBs within the class and their preferrred touchdown spots:
Cam Ward, Miami
Ward has all of it. His arm is highly effective and versatile, in a position to modify his arm angles to make any throw from any place. He’s very correct, with among the most spectacular placement within the class. Ward even brings one other dimension to the place along with his scrambling potential to choose up yards on the bottom. He has some slight points with processing and an inclination to play hero ball, but when he can relax and see the sector, he might be a stud.
Very best NFL match: Ward ought to serve Titans coach Brian Callahan effectively and be taken with the No. 1 total choose. There’s not a greater quarterback within the class, and the Titans have themselves arrange effectively for Ward’s strengths after closely investing within the offensive line.
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
One other extremely correct quarterback, Sanders’ imaginative and prescient and placement will possible earn him a first-round choice. There are similarities to Kirk Cousins within the type of his sport—he isn’t a lot of an athlete and his arm is slightly underpowered. If a workforce is pleased with getting the ball to its receivers constantly, regardless of the place they’re on the sector, Sanders ought to serve them effectively. His pocket adjustment is fairly strong, with expertise below stress.
Very best NFL match: Sanders wants to seek out his solution to a workforce with an offensive line higher than his line at Colorado, however most of the quarterback-needy squads don’t have that proper now. The one which does is the Cleveland Browns, who added Cornelius Lucas and Teven Jenkins in hopes of a very good—or at the least higher than 2024—offensive line.
Jalen Milroe, Alabama
Hear me out. Milroe’s flashes are just like that of Anthony Richardson, a participant who was proficient sufficient to go prime 5, and he’s proven extra constant play over the course of a season than Richardson ever did at Florida. His instruments are spectacular sufficient to get him a excessive Day Two choice. He struggled this 12 months with attempting to learn coverages, however his scrambling potential and arm energy are too laborious to go up.
Very best NFL match: Get Milroe to the Saints instantly. New Orleans has a robust vast receiver core, high quality tackles that would assist a younger quarterback, and an amazing offensive thoughts in Kellen Moore. Milroe can sit for a 12 months or two behind Derek Carr as he continues to apply and be taught to regulate to NFL speeds. Then the Saints can unpackage him as Jalen Hurts 2.0—the mannequin with a 4.4 turbo enhance.
Jaxson Dart, Mississippi
Dart additionally has spectacular bodily instruments, with a robust arm and good velocity to maneuver out of the pocket. They’re slightly extra muted than Milroe’s, however Dart brings a capability to create outdoors of construction that may serve him effectively on the subsequent degree. There are some unhealthy habits in his sport—particularly, ready too lengthy to make throws as a result of the home windows aren’t excellent—however there’s sufficient to work with for him to change into a starter.
Very best NFL match: Dart simply screams Steelers.
Mike Tomlin will possible see shades of Mason Rudolph in Dart and will use him as a strong backup to Rodgers (perhaps) for a season till he feels able to uncork him. Dart will likely be throwing darts for Pittsburgh sooner somewhat than later.
Will Howard, Ohio State
NFL groups love a winner. Howard proved he might convey a championship to Columbus final season, and groups will likely be blissful to have a man with a confirmed monitor file on the squad. He appears to be like the a part of an NFL quarterback with a cumbersome body and good athleticism. Groups could also be underwhelmed by the arm, however he might be a strong journeyman starter within the mildew of Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Very best NFL match: Howard ought to go to the Rams with an opportunity to unseat Jimmy G for the backup job. The 2 share some similarities, however Howard is extra athletic.