The 2024 NFL season is in the rearview, and honestly, the vibes around the upcoming draft are... complicated. If you were expecting another year where six quarterbacks fly off the board in the first twelve picks like we saw with Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, you’ve gotta temper those expectations. This isn’t that. It’s a year defined by "projection" over "certainty."
We’re looking at a 2025 NFL mock draft QB landscape that feels more like a puzzle than a set of locks. There’s no generational savior here. Instead, we have a group of guys with elite traits who also happen to have massive question marks. You’ve got Shedeur Sanders’ surgical accuracy paired with a tendency to hold the ball until he’s buried in the turf. Then there’s Cam Ward, who looks like a magician one play and a guy who’s never seen a blitz the next.
Basically, if your team needs a savior under center, they’re going to have to be very, very brave.
The Big Two: Sanders vs. Ward
Right now, the consensus is basically a two-man race for the top spot. Most scouts I talk to are split right down the middle.
Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)
Shedeur is probably the most "pro-ready" from a pure passing standpoint. His accuracy is legit. He finished 2024 with over 4,100 yards and 37 touchdowns, but the stat that really pops is his poise. He gets hit—a lot. Despite the porous Colorado offensive line, he rarely flinches. The NFL loves that "it" factor.
But there’s a catch. He took 52 sacks in 2023 and the numbers weren't much better in '24. Some of that is the line, sure, but a lot of it is Shedeur refusing to give up on a play. In the NFL, that’s how you end up on the IR by Week 4.
Cam Ward (Miami)
If Shedeur is the surgeon, Cam Ward is the freestyle jazz musician. He led the FBS in passing touchdowns (39) and yards (4,313) this past season. He has that "effortless" arm talent where he can flick the ball 50 yards while falling out of bounds.
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The knock? Fumbles. He fumbled 11 times in 2024. That’s a massive red flag for NFL GMs who value ball security above all else. He’s the ultimate high-risk, high-reward prospect. If you’re the Tennessee Titans or the Cleveland Browns sitting at the top of the draft, do you take the guy who might give you 4 TDs or 3 turnovers? It's a coin flip.
The "Trait" Kings: Jalen Milroe and Jaxson Dart
After the top two, things get murky. We’re talking about players who have one elite skill that makes scouts drool, even if the rest of their game is a work in progress.
Jalen Milroe (Alabama) is the most explosive athlete in this class. Period. He had 20 rushing touchdowns in 2024. Think about that. He’s a legitimate home-run threat every time he tucks the ball. However, his processing speed as a passer still needs a lot of work. He struggled in SEC play, throwing 10 interceptions. He’s a project, but in a league that loves Anthony Richardson and Lamar Jackson, someone will fall in love with his ceiling.
Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) is the "efficiency" king. He led the nation with a 180.7 QB rating. He’s tough, he’s mobile, and he’s played a ton of football. He’s sort of the "safe" pick of the second tier. He might not ever be an All-Pro, but he’s got "ten-year starter" written all over him.
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Who is Actually Picking a QB?
The draft order is starting to solidify, and the "QB Desperation Meter" is hitting red for a few specific teams.
- Tennessee Titans: Will Levis hasn't exactly slammed the door on the "franchise QB" conversation. They pick at No. 1. If they aren't sold on Levis, they almost have to take Ward or Sanders.
- Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson’s situation is a mess, both financially and physically. They pick at No. 2. They need a reset button, and a rookie contract is the only way they survive the salary cap.
- New York Giants: The Daniel Jones era is over. It’s done. They pick at No. 3 and are the most likely landing spot for whichever of the "Big Two" the Titans and Browns pass on.
- New Orleans Saints: Derek Carr is a fine bridge, but the Saints are stuck in mediocrity. They might be the team that jumps back into the late first round for a guy like Quinn Ewers or Garrett Nussmeier.
The 2024 vs. 2025 Comparison
Let's be real for a second. If Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward were in the 2024 draft, they probably wouldn't have gone before Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr. This class lacks the "blue-chip" polish of the previous year.
According to data from PFF and various scouting reports, the 2025 class actually has more experience—more games played, more attempts—but fewer "elite" physical traits. We have a lot of "good" but very little "great." That’s why you see so much volatility in every 2025 NFL mock draft QB update. One week a guy is a top-5 pick, the next he’s a second-rounder.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Draft
The biggest misconception is that this is a "bad" QB year. It’s not bad; it’s just different.
In 2024, we had "System QBs" and "Freaks." In 2025, we have "Escapologists." Almost all the top guys—Sanders, Ward, Milroe, Dart—specialize in making plays when the initial structure breaks down. In the modern NFL, where pass rushes are faster than ever, that might actually be more valuable than being a "pure" pocket passer who can't move.
Rising Names to Watch
Keep an eye on Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) and Quinn Ewers (Texas). Ewers has been a bit of a roller coaster, but his performance in the College Football Playoff showed he can handle the bright lights. Nussmeier has the "NFL arm" that coaches like Sean McVay (Rams) or Kyle Shanahan (49ers) might try to snag in the late first round to develop behind a veteran.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you're following the draft process, here is how you should actually be looking at these prospects over the next few months:
- Watch the Fumble Rates: For Cam Ward, the Combine and Pro Day aren't about how far he throws; they're about his hand size and ball security drills. If he measures in with small hands, his stock might tumble.
- Scrutinize the Sack Data: Don't just look at Shedeur's touchdowns. Look at how many "avoidable" sacks he takes during senior bowl practices. NFL teams will grill him on this in interviews.
- The "Medical" Factor: Quinn Ewers has a history of nagging injuries. His medical checks at the Combine will be more important than his 40-yard dash.
- Identify the "Bridge" Teams: Teams like the Raiders or Jets might pass on a QB early if they sign a veteran like Geno Smith or Sam Darnold. This would push the QBs down the board, creating value for teams picking in the 10-20 range.
The draft is a giant game of poker. Right now, everyone is bluffing about how much they love these prospects. But as April gets closer, the desperation of QB-needy teams usually wins out, and we’ll likely see at least three of these names go in the top ten picks simply because of the value of the position.
Expect the unexpected. This class is built for chaos.
Next Steps for Draft Fans:
Check the official Senior Bowl rosters to see which of these QBs (like Jaxson Dart) are competing. Seeing them in a neutral "pro-style" environment is the first real test. You should also monitor the NFL coaching cycle—teams that hire offensive-minded gurus are much more likely to pull the trigger on a "project" like Jalen Milroe.