Omar Kelly: Analyzing the NFL's 2025 draft class of quarterbacks

Omar Kelly, Miami Herald on Apr 10, 2025

Published in Football

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MIAMI — Not every draft class is guaranteed to have a crop of stud quarterbacks.

If there’s one franchise quarterback in each class the NFL should consider itself lucky.

Even when there are stud prospects expected to become first-round picks there’s no guarantee those players will even pan out, becoming quarterbacks who can carry a franchise for a couple of years.

And Dak Prescott, Jalen Hurts and Brock Purdy have proven you don’t need to be a first-round pick to develop into a franchise quarterback.

Finding, and more importantly, developing quarterbacks is what separates the good franchises from those riding the mediocrity merry-go-round for decades.

This class of quarterbacks features two talents (Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders) expected to be taken in the first round, and then about half a dozen quarterbacks who might wind up starters down the road.

Top Prospects

— Miami’s Cam Ward — Ward has put up huge numbers at every one of his college stops because of his playmaking instincts, throwing ability and intangible traits, which hint he can eventually become elite if put in the right system, surrounded by the right coaching and weaponry. Ward’s moxie and ability to extend plays hints he has the highest ceiling in this draft, which explains why he will be taken No. 1 overall, either by the Tennessee Titans, or a team that trades up to acquire him.

— Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders — Much like Tua Tagovailoa, Sanders excels because of his accuracy, and ability to read the field quickly. But his arm strength is just adequate, which might limit him to one of the warm-weather teams, and make a domed stadium and team (think New Orleans) his ideal landing spot.

— Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart — Dart is an impressive overall athlete who brings true dual-threat potential to the table. He also cannon for an arm and a quick release, which could entice some teams looking for a project. However, he seems to struggle deciphering complex defenses and might require some patience. Any team that selects him in the first round would be gambling on his upside.

— Alabama’s Jalen Milroe — Much like Jalen Hurts was during his Alabama days, Milroe is more of an athlete than a polished passer during his collegiate career. He possesses a ton of arm strength, but needs more refinement to become an NFL starter. Watching and learning from a similar quarterback would benefit Milroe.

— Syracuse’s Kyle McCord — McCord struggled as Ohio State’s starter before breaking out with the Syracuse Orange last season, throwing for 4,779 yards and 34 touchdowns. McCord has a quick, smooth release and makes quick decisions consistently. Expect him to be an early third-day pick.

— Sleeper: Louisville’s Tyler Shough — If one player has a chance to become a Day 3 steal as a selection it’s Shough. Shough has prototypical height (6-foot-5), enough arm strength, and a compact and quick release to make some team fall in love with him as a project. The problem is this 26-year-old is the oldest player in the draft.

— Best of the rest: Texas’ Quinn Ewers, Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke, Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard, and Ohio State’s Will Howard should all be drafted, and have opportunities to become some team’s No. 2.

— Teams in need: If Tennessee drafts Ward don’t be surprised if they trade Will Levis. Cleveland is searching for a Deshaun Watson replacement after the owner recently acknowledged the trade and fully guaranteed contract for Watson was a mistake. The addition of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston won’t stop the Giants from selecting a quarterback early, and the same applies for the Jets, which signed Justin Fields in free agency. Pittsburgh is in the market for a quarterback, even if Aaron Rodgers eventually joins the Steelers. And don’t be surprised if the Seahawks, Saints, Raiders, Eagles and Bills all select a young quarterback to develop.

— Dolphins focus: Tagovailoa’s new contract hints that he will be the Dolphins’ starter for at least the next two seasons unless his health becomes a factor, which is always a possibility. Tagovailoa is still trending upwards from a developmental standpoint, but needs to shed his fragile reputation. The Dolphins specifically targeted Zach Wilson in free agency, signing the former first-round bust to a one-year deal that has a $6 million base because Mike McDaniel believes he can help Wilson clean up some troublesome areas of his game. The money Wilson was given hints he will be the backup in 2025. But don’t be surprised if Miami adds another young quarterback because the Dolphins need an extra arm or two for training camp.