It’s never too early to look ahead. For NFL Draft analysts, preparations for 2025 are already underway.
Here’s a glimpse at five 2025 draft-eligible quarterbacks (in alphabetical order) who are in the mix to be named QB1 on big boards next year.
Carson Beck, Georgia
Arguably the most underrated quarterback in 2023, Beck has an opportunity to assert himself as the No. 1 in his class with a strong season. Taking over for two-time national champion Stetson Bennett IV, Beck’s success last year was attributed more to his outstanding weapons – including tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Ladd McConkey – than his own talents. He finished the year 302-of-417 (72.4%) for 3,941 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. At 6-foot-4, Beck’s height isn’t a concern at the next level and he also has above-average mobility to avoid pressure and pick up first downs with his legs.
Quinn Ewers, Texas
Everything came together for Ewers as a junior with the Longhorns last season. He led Texas to its first conference title since 2009 and was 272-of-394 (69%) for 3,479 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions in 12 games (he missed a pair of contests with a shoulder injury.) Ewers can attack all areas of the field and is unafraid of the bright lights. His best performances came in Texas’ biggest games – at Alabama, the Big 12 title game and the College Football Playoff national semifinal.
Jalen Milroe, Alabama
Milroe was perhaps the most improved player in college football from the start to the end of the 2023 season and if he takes another massive stride in 2024, he’ll be a Day 1 lock for the draft. Milroe’s mobility and excellent deep ball are his best traits. He must improve in the short and intermediate passing game to be a legit consideration for the No. 1 overall pick.
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
The talent is there, but if teams were scared off by former South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler because of a high school reality show, what will they make of Sanders’ questionable leadership in college? The Buffaloes quarterback completed 69.3% of his passes last season (ninth in the country) and had a sterling 9:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. But he was also sacked an alarming 49 times and not all were because of his offensive line. Sanders recently took a childish jab at former Buffaloes teammate Xavier Smith after Smith criticized the program, which might give NFL front offices pause about making him the face of their franchise.
Cam Ward, Miami
The former Washington State quarterback excels at attacking the middle of the field. Per data from PFF, he completed 70.7% of his attempts on throws between the hash marks 10-19 yards downfield. Ward always has his eyes downfield, which works to his advantage and detriment alike. As with Sanders, Ward’s sack rate (24.9%) is worrisome. He also needs to be better at protecting the football as a runner – he fumbled 14 times in 2023. From a sheer athletic standpoint, though, Ward is one of college football’s most intriguing pro prospects entering the season.