NFL Draft: The 2025 QB class is thin, but these 6 have star potential
There is no point in sugarcoating things — the QB class in the 2025 NFL Draft is lacking, at least in comparison to recent bumper crops at the position.
But if history is any indication, that won’t keep QB-needy NFL teams from gambling first round picks on the position.
[Related: Who is rising up the Heisman Watch board?]
Last year, six quarterbacks earned first round picks. So, let’s take a closer look at the six strongest candidates for 2025. The quarterbacks are ranked in the order I anticipate they would be selected in the draft were it to take place today. They are listed with current statistics, sizes and eligibility based on their official school bios.
1. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado: 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, Senior
2024 statistics: 220-for-300 (73.3%) passing for 2,591 yards, with 21 TDs and six INTs
Scouting Report: Sanders entered the 2024 season as scouts’ top-rated quarterback, and his play so far this season has justified that ranking. He is a classic pocket passer who shows poise under pressure, as well as anticipation and accuracy to throw his receivers open.
Critics will point out that he’s led the Buffaloes to “just” a 10-10 record over his 20 starts since following his father and head coach, Deion Sanders, from Jackson State, but his 16-2 touchdown to interception ratio in the fourth quarter over his nearly two seasons at Colorado are evidence of his clutch play.
While gutty, Sanders does not, however, possess an elite arm. He relies more on timing and ball placement than velocity, and he is not a dynamic scrambling threat. In fact, his average foot speed and spatial awareness play a significant role in the troubling 77 sacks he’s absorbed at Colorado. Finally, but perhaps most importantly, some question whether he’s been coddled as the coach’s son and currently lacks the maturity and leadership teams expect of a franchise signal-caller.
Bottom Line: If teams are convinced that Sanders is a leader, he will earn a first round selection in the 2025 NFL draft, perhaps even in the top five. He’d fit best in a classic West Coast Offense-based attack featuring quick decisions and throws to the short and intermediate levels.
Grade: First round
2. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU: 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, Redshirt Junior
2024 statistics: 208-for-333 (62.5%) for 2,627 yards, 20 TDs and nine INTs
Scouting Report: Coming off a career-worst three-interception game and a loss at Texas A&M, it might surprise some to see Nussmeier listed here, especially given that he entered this season with just one start (albeit 18 appearances) at the collegiate level. Nussmeier had the unfortunate reality of sitting behind last year’s Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, but when he got his opportunity in the ReliaQuest Bowl last year, he earned MVP in a win over Wisconsin.
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