Top 10 2025 NFL Draft QB rankings entering Scouting Combine include Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart
The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is here, and it's time for the cream of the crop to show out on the final stage before the 2025 NFL Draft. This is the last time for the top quarterbacks to make their case to NFL teams as to why they're the man to lead franchises to the […]
The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is here, and it's time for the cream of the crop to show out on the final stage before the 2025 NFL Draft. This is the last time for the top quarterbacks to make their case to NFL teams as to why they're the man to lead franchises to the Super Bowl.
Our team of NFL Draft analysts at A to Z Sports is actively preparing for the 2025 draft, which led us to work together to rank the top ten prospects at every position.
Eight of our analysts provided their rankings of their ten favorite players, and we aggregated these scores using a method akin to the AP Poll used in college football to create the A to Z Sports Top 10 Positional Rankings. Here’s our evaluation of the incoming quarterback class for the 2025 NFL Draft.
1. Cameron Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
Cam Ward slightly edges out Shedeur Sanders in our rankings, primarily due to his physical attributes. He combines a knack for big plays with smart checkdowns. Ward plays with a vibe-driven approach, which can sometimes work against him, as he's willing to challenge defenses with tough throws that highlight both his arm strength and finesse.
Although he tends to put the ball in jeopardy too frequently (with a 3.3% turnover-worthy throw rate), Ward compensates for those errors by making significant plays. As a dual-threat quarterback with the potential to become an All-Pro in the NFL, Ward's goal should be to maintain his explosiveness while improving his efficiency, allowing him to fully realize his potential.
2. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Although Sanders may not possess the same physical attributes as Ward, he is a more reliable decision-maker and passer. He demonstrates impressive accuracy and playmaking abilities, showcasing a unique combination of instinct and feel for critical moments, along with his capability to deliver precise throws.
While his arm strength isn't exceptional, and his physique isn't imposing, he is incredibly resilient and sets a strong example for others.
However, he will need to temper his inclination to extend plays. The question remains whether Sanders can execute a more timing-oriented offense and place trust in his receivers or if he will continue to seek opportunities to break free from the structured plan in pursuit of big plays.
If he can find a balance between the two, he has the potential to become a regular Pro Bowler. At the very least, he is likely to maintain a quality starting position.
3. Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
Despite having an impressive 2024 season, Jaxson Dart hasn't received as much attention as other players, primarily due to concerns about Ole Miss' RPO-heavy offense and his average physical attributes.
Nonetheless, Dart demonstrates solid game management skills, possessing a decent arm, respectable mobility, and good pocket awareness paired with reliable decision-making. His performance in critical situations against strong opponents has raised some doubts, particularly regarding his ability to handle pressure.
However, it wouldn't be surprising if a team in the late first round considers Dart as a viable option ready to step in and contribute immediately.
4. Jalen Milroe, Alabama
The second tier of quarterbacks presents a challenging evaluation process. Our team has reservations about Jalen Milroe while also acknowledging his exceptional physical attributes. There's no denying that Milroe's outstanding rushing skills and deep passing ability could form the basis of a successful NFL offense.
However, reaching the stage where Milroe is reliable enough to manage a complete offense will require time. It will be essential to provide him with half-field reads, a solid run game, and a supportive coaching staff that tailors the system to his strengths. The potential rewards could be significant, but there will undoubtedly be challenges along the way.
5. Will Howard, Ohio State
Will Howard bet on himself last offseason by transferring to Ohio State instead of going to the NFL, and it worked. A confident, smart passer who sees the field well and rarely plays outside of his limitations, Howard keeps the chains moving at all costs. His deep ball is average, but he's fixed his footwork and passing motion enough to trust on short and medium throws.
With good mobility and willingness to test defenses on occasion, Howard is a possible average starter who could land in the top 100 picks. There's a better chance he's just a backup, but he's a gamer, and ruling him out of improving would be unfair.
6. Quinn Ewers, Texas
Quinn Ewers possesses an incredible natural talent for throwing a football, but there are significant concerns and weaknesses in other aspects of his game. When his feet are planted and he follows through properly, he can deliver precise throws in various situations. However, his performance often falters under pressure, compounded by some lazy mechanics.
There is potential for an NFL coaching staff to refine Ewers’ mechanics and address his inconsistency. Nonetheless, whether he can fully realize his potential at the next level remains uncertain, and his ability to perform under pressure continues to be a worry.
7. Kurtis Rourke, Indiana
When kept clean, Kurtis Rourke is a deadly passer who eviscerated defenses with stellar back-shoulder throws throughout 2024. His transfer from Ohio to Indiana changed Rourke's career, who topped out as a fringe-draftable player as a Bobcat. Now, Rourke can find a home as a valuable backup.
Rourke has a specific, pocket-based game. He doesn't move well after tearing his ACL last year, and his reaction to pressure is poor. He'll put the ball at risk plenty even when clean, though, so his future hinges on cutting out some risky throws and maximizing what defenses give him.
8. Tyler Shough, Louisville
An unexpected riser this offseason so far has been Tyler Shough. A plus athlete with a strong arm and experience in multiple offenses, Shough has the upside to be a starter in the NFL. His durability has been a huge issue throughout his career, though, and his turnover rate skyrocketed when more was asked of him.
9. Riley Leonard, Notre Dame
Once projected to be a first-round pick, Riley Leonard is quite the rollercoaster experience. There were times when he looked incapable of throwing the ball at all on the collegiate level, and others where he was a good game manager. The physical traits are good enough for Riley to be a quality backup, but the rest of his game hasn't grown in a few years.
Too willing to take checkdowns and not push the ball downfield, Leonard is a very good athlete playing quarterback. His reads and accuracy are too inconsistent to believe he'll make a major impact beyond being a backup.
10. Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
We've seen a lot of Dillon Gabriel over the years, as he entered UCF in 2019. He's an efficient short-game merchant who takes care of the ball incredibly well. Gabriel executes timing routes, RPOs, and plays his role within the scheme in a respectable manner.
His accuracy has improved, but his arm strength is barely at an NFL level. He struggles to create against pressure, and panic sets in when his early read isn't there. The mobile lefty can stick around the NFL as a backup.