With last week’s pre-draft events wrapped up, the anticipation for the 2025 NFL Draft is heating up! ESPN’s Jordan Reid has just updated his rankings of the quarterbacks, and fans are eager to see how their favorite players stack up. This update comes after a thrilling week where eight of the twelve quarterbacks either participated in or attended two significant bowl games: the Senior Bowl and the Shrine Bowl.
Top Quarterbacks Leading the Charge
At the top of Reid’s list is Ward, who has solidified his position as QB1. This isn’t just a fluke; he’s been a standout performer, and many experts agree that he’s among the top contenders expected to go in the first round come April. During his lone season at The ‘U, Ward threw for an impressive 4,313 yards, leading the nation with 39 touchdowns and only seven interceptions, boasting a completion rate of 67.2%. His performance not only made him one of the top passers in the country but also earned him a spot as a Heisman finalist.
Coming in at a close second is Shedeur Sanders, who showcased his skills at the Shrine Bowl. Whether he ends up being the first or second quarterback selected, he’s certainly one to watch. In his final season at Boulder, Sanders threw for 4,134 yards, with 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, achieving the highest completion rate in the country at an impressive 74%.
Rising Stars in the Rankings
Next up is Jaxson Dart, who has seen his stock rise significantly after an impressive week at the Senior Bowl. Reid ranks him at No. 3, positioning him as the next quarterback in line after Ward and Sanders. Dart completed 69.3% of his passes, racking up 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just six interceptions during his final season at Ole Miss.
Following Dart is Jalen Milroe, who also participated in the Senior Bowl. While he’s in fourth place on Reid’s list, his evaluation has been a bit inconsistent. Milroe had a career-best season at Alabama, throwing for 3,570 yards and 36 touchdowns, but he also faced challenges with 17 turnovers. Scouts are still evaluating his potential at the next level, and he remains a player to keep an eye on.
Draft Day Projections
Kyle McCord rounds out the top five quarterbacks in Reid’s rankings. After a strong showing at the Shrine Bowl, McCord has seen his stock rise as well. He had a remarkable season with 4,779 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, completing 66% of his passes. His performance has positioned him as a solid candidate for the second day of the draft.
Quinn Ewers, once a highly-rated prospect, has slipped down the rankings. Now sitting at No. 7, Ewers finished his final season at Texas with 3,472 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, achieving a completion rate of 65.8%. His decline in the rankings raises questions about his draft potential, with many projecting him as a Day 3 selection.
Veteran Quarterbacks Making Their Mark
At No. 6, we find Kyle Howard, who recently celebrated a national title win. Howard had a standout year, throwing for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, completing 73.1% of his passes. His performance has made him a strong candidate for selection on draft day.
Dillon Gabriel, with his extensive experience across three programs, has garnered positive feedback from scouts at the Senior Bowl. Reid has him ranked at No. 8 after a stellar season in Eugene, where he completed 72.9% of his passes for 3,857 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just six interceptions.
Tyler Shough and Zach Brosmer are also in the mix, with Shough being projected as a mid-to-late pick after throwing for 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Brosmer, in his lone year at Minnesota, completed 66.5% of his passes for 2,828 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions, closing out the top ten.
Underdogs and Late-Round Prospects
Kurtis Rourke is another name to watch, as he’s being discussed as a potential undrafted free agent or late-day pick. His recovery from surgery may impact his draft stock, but he had a solid season at Ohio, completing 69.4% of his passes for 3,042 yards, 29 touchdowns, and only five interceptions.
Lastly, Sam Leonard, the runner-up quarterback in the national title game, is also projected as a late selection or undrafted player. After a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, Leonard completed 66.7% of his throws for 2,861 yards, 21 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while also rushing for 906 yards and 17 touchdowns.
As the days count down to the combine in Indianapolis, the excitement surrounding these quarterbacks continues to build. Who will rise to the occasion, and who will secure their place in the NFL? The stage is set, and college football fans are ready to see how this draft unfolds!
