ESPN’s Mel Kiper has stirred the pot with his latest quarterback rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft, and it’s time to take a closer look at the changes that could influence team strategies as they prepare for the upcoming draft. While the top quarterbacks remain unchanged, the order has certainly shifted, making it an exciting time for college football fans and NFL scouts alike.
Top Contenders: Sanders and Ward
At the pinnacle of Kiper’s rankings, we find Shedeur Sanders still holding strong. His performance at Colorado has been nothing short of impressive, with stats that speak volumes about his capabilities. But the burning question remains: will he be the No. 1 overall pick, or will he be outshined by Cam Ward? The stakes are high, with teams like the Giants, Titans, Browns, and even the Raiders potentially eyeing their future franchise quarterback.
Speaking of Ward, he’s a name that’s generating a lot of buzz. Coming off a standout season at Miami, where he showcased his skills after developing at Washington State, Ward is now Kiper’s No. 2 quarterback. While some analysts might favor Ward over Sanders, it seems likely that both will land within the top 10 picks, setting the stage for an intriguing draft night.
Rising Stars: Howard and Dart
Now, let’s talk about the most significant change in Kiper’s rankings: J.J. McCarthy Howard has catapulted into the top four. Winning a national championship certainly boosts his stock, and with the Ryan Day effect in play—Day having previously coached first-round talents like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud—Howard’s rise is no surprise. How high can he go? That remains to be seen, but his trajectory is certainly upward.
Another player making waves is Jaxson Dart. After a solid showing at the Senior Bowl, Dart has climbed the draft boards. He’s been a consistent performer, but until recently, he wasn’t generating much first-round buzz. Now, he’s considered an enticing prospect for teams looking for a reliable quarterback. Will Dart continue to rise as teams evaluate their needs?
Milroe and Shough: The Mixed Bag
On the other hand, Jalen Milroe faced some challenges at the Senior Bowl, resulting in a slight drop in Kiper’s rankings. Despite showing flashes of brilliance during his tenure as Alabama’s starter, questions about his mechanics have led to discussions about whether he might need to change positions. How will NFL teams value his athleticism against his passing ability?
Meanwhile, Tyler Shough has moved up two spots following a strong season and a solid performance at the Senior Bowl. After stints at Oregon and Texas Tech, Shough finally found his rhythm at Louisville, where he set career highs. Could this be the turning point for him as he looks to establish himself in the NFL?
Gabriel and Rourke: The Dark Horses
Another intriguing name is Dylan Gabriel, who has been productive at every stop—UCF, Oklahoma, and now Oregon. Despite finishing third in this year’s Heisman voting and leading the Big Ten in passing, he dropped one spot in Kiper’s rankings due to Shough’s rise. Why isn’t he higher? That’s a question many fans are asking.
And let’s not forget about Logan Rourke, who had a standout season at Indiana under coach Curt Cignetti. Despite battling through a partially torn ACL, Rourke led Indiana to its best season ever, including a spot in the College Football Playoff. His resilience and performance have kept him firmly in Kiper’s top 10, but how will he fare against the competition?
The Final Thoughts
As we look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, the quarterback landscape is shaping up to be thrilling. With top prospects like Sanders and Ward leading the charge, and rising talents like Howard and Dart making their case, teams will have some tough decisions to make. Will they prioritize proven winners, or take a chance on potential? The excitement is palpable, and college football fans have a lot to look forward to as we inch closer to draft day.
In this ever-evolving draft landscape, one thing is clear: the future of the NFL is bright, and it all starts with these talented quarterbacks. Who will rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but for now, the spotlight is on them, and the anticipation is building!
