1 - Cam Ward (Miami Hurricanes)
The Heisman trophy finalist is in a league of his own when it comes to ranking this years quarterback group. Ward has a relaxed presence in the pocket and doesn't shy away from heat. He possesses great arm talent, which provides receivers easy catches downfield. An underrated runner, who will rip away if the field opens up. Ward excels at tight-window throws and is crafty at the point of release with various arm angles to evade blockers. On each play Ward systematically goes through his reads, like a prototypical NFL QB. The Miami senior just needs to tighten up his footwork; on occasion he gets lazy at the line of scrimmage. Ward is a first-round talent and I'd be surprised if he isn't this year's number one overall pick, with the Tennessee Titans already set on his addition to their roster.
2 - Shedeur Sanders (Colorado Buffaloes)
Shedeur is a very different prospect; his accuracy is his best trait, where he's able to instinctively find his runners on a smooth fade ball. Sanders's arm talent isn't something that blows you away; he can get by with it. His release needs to speed up, but he is very good at extending the play. Sanders can hold his own with physicality not an issue, and he didn't panic when pressure arrived frequently throughout 2024. He often disregards his footwork, which can set him up for instant pressure at the line of scrimmage. I like how he can make a man miss; poor offensive-line play meant he was put in harm's way more often than necessary. I'd put Sanders as a second-round talent, with minor tweaks, he could be starting by week 3 or 4.
3 - Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss Rebels)
Dart is a really fun talent, a powerful runner who can get to the outside and take off. He does well to find his options at mid to deep ranges but his tape lacks a true variety of passes. Dart has a good arm, I like his release, and his timing is clean to keep him out of danger. If the pocket collapses, he does okay, but he falls out of his posture and rushes to get rid of the football. He's a quarterback whose decision-making will be the decisive factor for him to succeed in the league. Not every drive requires a 30/40 yard bomb to score; game state is important, with turnovers a likely occurrence in his rookie season. Dart is a great project for coaches, like Shedeur. Dart is worthy of a second-round pick, but positional value will likely push him up to a day one pick.
4 - Jaylen Milroe (Alabama Crimson Tide)
Milroe possesses brilliant athleticism, powerful yet shifty for his size, 6'2", 225lbs, with his rushing ability the strongest trait of every QB in the draft. He has a good arm, who requires his targets to win early to locate downfield. Milroe needs to mature when dealing with pressure; he sets his feet wide, unbalanced at the point of attack, leading to avoidable turnovers of the football. He doesn't go through his reads as the game plays itself out. There are definite sparks in his tape, but he needs to be nurtured, with the scheme essential for him to thrive. He's not a quitter and has a great attitude. Teams who are looking for a long-term project should go after this guy, a solid round two or three prospect with slight boom or bust potential.
5 - Tyler Shough (Louisville Cardinals)
Shough is a strange prospect to dissect; he has solid footwork, plays off a good frame, ideal size for the position, 6'5", 225lbs, yet he still hasn't figured things out. I have huge concerns with his age, seven seasons in the NCAA is a lot of football for a rookie; a big no-no when it comes to teambuilding. Shough has a smooth release and good arm strength, but there's no real outstanding element to his game. He's a see-it, throw-it guy, who doesn't fully assess the field. He's frightened of pressure if the pocket gets blown up, something an individual can't just get over overnight. Shough's injury history is far from pleasing. But coaches seem convinced he's worth a day two pick. I do like the fundamentals of his game, but the glaring issues make him at best a number two for a franchise. Talent-wise, I'd place him as a late third, early fourth-round pick.
