In what is not projected as the deepest NFL Draft when it comes to quarterback talent, there are certainly some prospects who could shift the narrative as far as potential. One of those prospects is Lousiville’s Tyler Shough.
A quarterback prospect who has been a favorite here at NFL Mocks, is getting some buzz a week ahead of the draft. In fact, he is trending as a possible first-round selection given the uncertainly of the players ranked above him. Yes, Cam Ward is the consensus top quarterback, but even he has question marks if he is indeed the top player taken off the board.
Don't sleep on Tyler Shough
The mystery of this draft is that quarterback hungry teams like the Tennessee Titans do have other options at the position. There are Day 2 quarterbacks like Alabama’s Jalen Milroe and Ole Miss star Jaxson Dart who could jump into the first round. The same is true for Shough who is coming off a seven-year college career making him a QB some NFL scouts believe might be “the readiest” of the group.
Are people sleeping on @LouisvilleFB QB @tylershough2?
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As the same was said about Bo Nix ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft and Mac Jones back in 2021, Shough’s value is increasing due to his prototypical size and the fact that when healthy, he has the arm talent and processing ability to be a successful NFL quarterback.
The question mark and concern would be his injury history. But, for two NFL teams on the hunt for a signal caller, would he be worth taking a gamble, especially late in the first round or early on Day 2?
NFL.com names Tyler Shough as a surprise first round pick
When it comes to draft projection, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero has Shough as a potential surprise first-rounder due to his talent when healthy and his mature age. Also, just because the QB group comes with uncertainly. Pelissero writes:
“In a seven-year college odyssey, Shough started 32 games at three schools. He returned from three significant injuries (broken collarbone in 2021, shoulder issue in '22, broken leg in '23) to put together a career year last fall at Louisville: 62.7% passing for 3,195 yards and 23 touchdowns (against six interceptions) in 12 starts for a Cardinals team that finished 9-4.
"Shough is older (25), and both the injury volume and its impact on his play style will concern some teams. But coaches like his size (6-4 7/8, 219), accuracy and processing ability. He might be the readiest of the whole QB group to play in the NFLright now. Does he have a chance to be a bona fide, long-term starter in the pros? All it takes is one team to buy in and take a shot on Shough in Round 1."
If not for the injuries in previous seasons, Shough would be at least a top 3 QB in this draft, so why not view him as one?
Shough could be a savior for the Steelers and Saints
Two teams who should buy in are the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints. Both teams have circulated some buzz leading up to the draft when it comes to the QB position. The Steelers are connected to Aaron Rodgers as a short-term solution, but even if the 40-plus year- old veteran were to sign, the Steelers would still be smart to select a quarterback.
Should they go as high as No. 21 in the first round. If they are high on the talent, why not?
As for the Saints, they have more of a chance at a prospect like Shedeur Sanders whether they trade up or he slides. But, for a team with many holes to fill, they could wait until Day 2 of the draft and take a player like Shough or trade back into the later first round to snag him. Either way, both teams would be smart to consider a player who is ready to step in now and plays smart.