After a record six quarterbacks were selected in the first 12 overall picks of the 2024 NFL Draft, the spotlight has shifted to the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. However, this year’s quarterback class is drawing less enthusiasm from NFL personnel, who are expressing concerns about its overall quality. The prevailing sentiment is that this group may not live up to the high expectations set by their predecessors.
2025 quarterback class under scrutiny
As we look ahead, perceptions can certainly change in the coming months, especially with key events like the Senior Bowl in Mobile and the NFL Combine in Indianapolis on the horizon. Yet, the current outlook for the quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft is far from rosy. Much of the criticism revolves around the apparent lack of viable Day 1 starters among the top quarterback prospects.
Among the top contenders, only Miami‘s Cam Ward and Colorado‘s Shedeur Sanders are being regarded as sure-fire first-round picks. This raises the question: who else can step up and prove their worth as the draft approaches?
NFL personnel conflicted about next-best QBs
The conversation doesn’t stop there. NFL personnel are grappling with the next tier of quarterbacks, including Alabama‘s Jalen Milroe and Texas‘ Quinn Ewers. Both players have shown flashes of brilliance but also raised eyebrows with inconsistent performances.
NFL Network draft expert Daniel Jeremiah recently weighed in on the situation, highlighting the challenges both quarterbacks face as they prepare for the draft. Jeremiah’s insights shed light on the complexities of evaluating these young talents, especially in light of their recent seasons.
Daniel Jeremiah questions how injuries impacted Quinn Ewers
Jeremiah expressed his concerns regarding Ewers, stating, “With Ewers, I watched him over the summer and was excited about him coming into the year. I felt like I was higher on him than a lot of people, but I saw some good things from his tape.” He noted that Ewers showcased quick eyes and a rapid release, traits that made him a promising prospect. However, injuries plagued Ewers throughout the season, and Jeremiah is eager to uncover how much these setbacks affected his performance.
Ewers missed at least two games in each of his three seasons at Texas, and this past season was no exception. Despite battling ankle and oblique injuries, he still managed to throw a SEC-leading 31 touchdowns over 14 games. This impressive feat helped guide Texas to a runner-up finish in its inaugural SEC season and a quarterfinal appearance in the College Football Playoff against eventual national champion Ohio State. However, Ewers also faced challenges, ranking fourth in the SEC with 3,472 yards while also leading the conference with 12 interceptions.
Daniel Jeremiah: Jalen Milroe has ‘huge opportunity’ to impress at Senior Bowl
On the other hand, Jalen Milroe’s journey has been equally tumultuous. He led the SEC with 36 total touchdowns, including an impressive 20 rushing scores, just two behind league-leading running back Dylan Sampson of Tennessee. However, his passing numbers left much to be desired, with only 2,844 yards on 64.3-percent passing and a 16-to-11 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Jeremiah commented, “When you get to Alabama and you watch Milroe, you want him to be good so bad because everything you hear is he’s a great kid. He’s freaking jacked. He’s a big, strong, physical kid that can run like crazy.” Yet, the question remains: can he refine his passing skills? Jeremiah pointed out Milroe’s decision-making issues, particularly in the Oklahoma game, which raised concerns about his readiness for the next level.
Milroe has a significant opportunity to showcase his skills at the upcoming Senior Bowl. Jeremiah emphasized, “He’s got a huge opportunity at the Senior Bowl next week. He’s going to be down there, so we’ll get a chance to see him.” The Senior Bowl could be a pivotal moment for Milroe to demonstrate his potential and alleviate any doubts surrounding his abilities.
Time for evaluation and improvement
As we gear up for the 2025 NFL Draft, there’s still ample time for both Ewers and Milroe to address the concerns surrounding their performances. With the draft set to take place from April 24-26 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the next few months will be crucial for these quarterbacks to solidify their positions and make a lasting impression on NFL scouts and teams.
The path to the NFL is never easy, and both players have the chance to rise to the occasion. Will they seize the moment and prove their critics wrong? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the excitement surrounding college football and the NFL Draft continues to build.
