Can Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough finally have a breakout season in 2024

One of the more intriguing quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft is Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough who has all the traits to hear his name called next April if he can stay healthy. Unfortunately, that has not been easy for him to do though as he has missed significant time each of the past three seasons. This past season he was only able to play in four games due to a lag injury. He was also limited to a combined just 12 starts over the 2022 and 2021 seasons due to injuries.

When healthy though he has looked impressive and is someone who could hear his name called next April. During his 15 starts at Texas Tech, he completed 62 percent of his passes for 2,922 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also was a threat on the ground rushing for eight touchdowns and 432 yards in those 15 starts.

His top trait as a pro prospect is his arm strength. He throws one of the pretty deep balls in college football, and with Louisville looking to emphasize the vertical passing game this year he should be able to consistently challenge defenses. His arm strength also allows him to throw when outside the pocket which is something he will be asked to do this year with how often the Cardinals will be running RPOs this season. Another positive is that he is a very mobile quarterback for someone 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds.

The biggest issue with Shough entering the season is obviously his health. The fact that he has not been able to be a starter for at least half a season makes counting on him for an entire season a risky proposition. Another concern with him is he has had his share of turnovers. He only has a two-to-one touchdown to interception ratio throwing 17 career interceptions and just 34 touchdowns. He also needs to do a better job of protecting the ball when in the pocket or when flushed from the pocket having fumbled the ball ten times during his college career.

This season should be a big one for Shough if he can stay healthy. He is playing in Jeff Brohm's offense that put up big numbers when 2023 fourth-round pick Aidan O'Connell was running it during their time at Purdue. He also has some dynamic playmakers catching his passes including Alabama transfer Ja'Corey Brooks who averaged 17.3 yards per catch in 2022, and South Alabama transfer Caullin Lacey who caught 91 passes for 1,316 yards last season. While I currently have a seventh-round grade on Shough if he has the type of season I expect he should see his draft stock soar this season.