The 2025 quarterback class doesn’t quite measure up to last year’s star-studded group that saw six quarterbacks taken in the top 12 picks of the 2024 NFL Draft. However, this year’s crop still features one standout with All-Pro potential in Miami’s Cam Ward, along with a few intriguing prospects, including one of the draft’s most underrated players in Syracuse’s Kyle McCord.
Top five quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft
1. Cam Ward, Miami
There should be no question about who the top quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft is, as Cam Ward unquestionably earns that distinction. The 2024 ACC Player of the Year is coming off the best season of his career, having completed 67% of his passes for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns. As a prospect, Ward possesses the potential to become a high-quality starter in the NFL, showcasing impressive arm strength, the mobility to gain yards with his legs, and exceptional playmaking ability. The area where he can improve is his tendency to freelance and throw on rhythm from the pocket. Expect Ward to be the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Cam Ward SHOWED OUT in Miami's win over Wake Forest 👏 pic.twitter.com/kM1xLX5BCG
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) November 24, 2024
2. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
A player whose stock has taken a bit of a hit since the end of the college football season is Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. The primary reason for this decline is his lack of elite physical tools. In terms of arm strength, Sanders has only average velocity, and his deep throws often lack the power needed at the next level. He also needs to improve his pocket presence, as he sometimes holds onto the ball too long and even slides into pressure. That said, Sanders is a classic pocket passer with good accuracy, particularly in the short to intermediate passing game. Expect Sanders to hear his name called in the middle of the first round, with the Pittsburgh Steelers being a logical landing spot.
3. Kyle McCord, Syracuse
The quarterback I’m higher on than most experts is Syracuse’s Kyle McCord, who I have graded as a third-round pick, while others view him more as a day-three selection. The reason I’m so high on McCord is his ability to challenge defenses vertically down the field. He’s also the most fundamentally sound quarterback in this class, according to BQA, which played a big role in him leading the nation in passing. While McCord may not make many plays outside the pocket, he could be an ideal fit in Sean McVay’s offense in Los Angeles.
4. Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
A quarterback I’m lower on than most is Ole Miss’s Jaxson Dart, who could be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft but carries only a third-round grade on my board. One of the main reasons for my skepticism is his difficulty in quickly progressing through his reads, along with limited experience in a traditional NFL-style offense. Another concern is his inconsistent accuracy, which often forces his receivers to make difficult catches. On the plus side, Dart excels at creating plays when things break down and is an underrated athlete with the ability to extend plays with his legs.
5. Jalen Milroe, Alabama
A quarterback who will need to land in the right system to succeed is Alabama’s Jalen Milroe. He’s best suited for an offense that heavily incorporates the quarterback in the run game and doesn't place too much of the load on his arm. At 6-foot-2, 217 pounds with 4.40 speed, Milroe is an elite athlete, and his biggest strength is his ability to make plays with his legs. However, as a passer, he still needs significant development—his footwork is inconsistent, and his accuracy is below average. One team that has shown considerable interest in Milroe is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who could be a good fit if they don’t take Shedeur Sanders in the first round.