Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough was arguably the most impressive quarterback in attendance at this year’s Senior Bowl. Shough displayed terrific accuracy and playmaking ability via competitive practice reps. Scouts exited Mobile impressed with his overall demeanor.
Shough enters the 2025 NFL Draft as an experienced signal-caller. He’s a mature and mobile prospect with the ability to maneuver the pocket and create with his legs. Shough is smooth and prepared.
Shough threw for 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just six interceptions for the Cardinals this past season. Shough may be the draft’s most intriguing mid-round quarterback. We’ve identified three potential landing spots via the draft.
New York Jets
The New York Jets are hitting the reset button this offseason. New head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey plan to rebuild the franchise from the ground up. That process will begin by releasing veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers from his contract. Designating Rodgers as a post-June-1 release will spread out manageable dead cap charges through 2028.
The Jets aren't expected to draft a quarterback in the first round at No. 7 overall. They'll probably target a veteran, affordable bridge quarterback in free agency like Jameis Winston or Jacoby Brissett while establishing a new culture. If that's the path forward, the Jets should draft a mid-round quarterback worth developing with some untapped upside. Until Glenn and Mougey are ready to commit to a first-round signal-caller, they should swing the bat on a prospect like Shough.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins were totally unprepared to miss Tua Tagovailoa in 2024. It felt shortsighted given Tagovailoa’s lengthy injury history. The oft-hurt quarterback has now missed significant action in five of his six professional campaigns. Three different quarterbacks played in his absence this past season, with Skylar Thompson, Tim Boyle, and Tyler Huntley all struggling to operate Miami’s offense.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel requires a better backup plan. General manager Chris Grier shouldn't be afraid to utilize a third or fourth-round pick on a developmental backup quarterback given Tagovailoa's issues with head injuries. Shough could allow Miami to keep their head above water should Tagovailoa miss time again in 2025.
Dallas Cowboys
Continuity has been the theme of the Dallas Cowboys' offseason after owner Jerry Jones promoted offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to head coach to replace Mike McCarthy. Schottenheimer possesses a lengthy history alongside starting quarterback Dak Prescott. Prescott isn't going anywhere, and this move further promotes his comfort in Dallas' offense.
Prescott did miss significant action in 2024 though, having been sidelined for more than half of the campaign after undergoing season-ending surgery on an injured hamstring. Cooper Rush and Trey Lance were the backup quarterbacks. Rush and Lance are both scheduled for free agency, and it's easy to envision them playing elsewhere in 2025. Rush turns 32 in November and the Cowboys should consider developing a younger quarterback behind Prescott. Shough could operate Schottenheimer's offense.
