2025 NFL Draft Has Become 2-QB Race

Being the face of an NFL franchise is a daunting task that only some quarterbacks are ready to tackle. Questions are swirling about the NFL’s inability to develop young quarterbacks with the benchings of Bryce Young and Anthony Richardson early in their NFL careers, on top of endless examples of quarterbacks being drafted in the first round to be the leaders of teams and not panning out. On the back of a record-setting number of quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft class, we looked to the 2025 quarterback class with hesitant eyes.

Potential is such a positive word, but it can also have negative connotations when describing prospects. The 2025 QB class was seen to have potential but not an overwhelming star. 

On the heels of his 2023 campaign, Carson Beck was poised to take the next step and emerge as “the guy.” That ship has taken the opposite course and seen Beck throw 12 interceptions to just 10 touchdowns in the last six games. The trust he showed in his receivers the previous season has disappeared, and Georgia’s offense has gone with it.

The Bulldogs fell to Ole Miss this past weekend, and Beck was again unable to muster 200 yards passing for the third time this season. Beck has had multiple opportunities to showcase what he can do on a national stage for Georgia, but this season has faltered, and his NFL draft stock is also trending in that direction.

Surely Jalen Milroe took the next step and became a first-round quarterback? It’s been a mixed bag for Milroe coming off an impressive performance as Alabama blows out rival LSU. Milroe rushed for 185 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing the top-tier athletic traits that keep NFL front offices watching his season with great interest. As a passer in his first season in Kalen DeBoer’s offense, we’ve seen strides with his defensive recognition, anticipation, and quickly getting-through progressions, but they are flashes. 

He has so much natural talent, but there are still too many questions about his game to solidify him as a first-round player, particularly after the Richardson situation. 

A handful of intriguing quarterbacks have attempted to throw their names in the ring at the top of this class, but we’ve arrived here just the same. This is a two-quarterback class. 

Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward have separated themselves as the two who will be first-round caliber players come draft time. The narratives surrounding Ward and his erratic play this season will continue, deservedly so after Miami’s loss to Georgia Tech. Still, there’s more at play with Miami’s offense that doesn’t fall on Ward’s shoulders that gets lost in the discussion. Ward has carried Miami’s offense all season long, and while there are clear areas for him to improve, which I’ll detail in a Ward breakdown on YouTube, the steps he’s taken this season will keep him at the forefront of NFL quarterback lists. 

Sanders has been a consistent force for Colorado this season, aside from a Nebraska performance in which the whole team was outplayed physically. He’s shown the pre-snap defensive identification to operate the quick game, next-level accuracy, and the layering of throws that will be welcomed in the NFL. We know the moment won’t be too big for him as Deion Sanders’ son, and he’s starting to use his legs more as a threat, adding a rushing score in each of the last three games. 

He spreads the ball around and has put his team in the driver's seat to a Big 12 championship berth while quietly entering the Heisman conversation. I don’t think he’ll win against Ashton Jeanty and his teammate Travis Hunter, but I believe he belongs in the conversation.

There’s still time for a Milroe surge, but it feels solidified that Sanders and Ward will battle to see which QB is drafted first in April. Both players have shown poise, leadership, and determination when faced with adversity this season and, more often than not, have come out on top with a win. Sanders is my bet to be the first QB taken. 

Who do you think is the first quarterback drafted, and how many go in the first round?