The 2025 NFL Draft crop of quarterbacks has not been the most celebrated in history, and the outcomes reflect that sentiment. The Tennessee Titans made Cam Ward their clear choice for the No. 1 overall pick, but the rest of the quarterbacks drafted were more like supporting players. Jaxson Dart emerged as the only other first-round talent, while Tyler Shough stood alone as a second-round pick. Rounding out the group were Jalen Milroe and Dillon Gabriel, who were selected on the same night. Notably, Shedeur Sanders was the sixth quarterback chosen, going 144th overall. By comparison, last year saw six quarterbacks taken in the first dozen picks. The NFL may have made the right call with these selections, as each quarterback will have to significantly exceed expectations to move beyond their initial backup roles. Let's delve into the seven quarterbacks drafted in 2025 who have the best chances for success in the league.
Why Ward Can Succeed: Cam Ward possesses a powerful arm and a natural knack for leading a locker room. His relentless drive to prove himself stems from being overlooked during his high school years. He found success at Incarnate Word, Washington State, and Miami, where he became a household name and the clear QB1 of his class. The Titans' new regime, including general manager Mike Borgonzi and assistant GM Dave Ziegler, values the importance of equipping quarterbacks with the right talent and support. Ward's ability to make every throw, combined with his high football IQ and work ethic, makes him a promising prospect. He can scramble effectively, make off-platform throws, and adjust his arm angles to maintain accuracy while extending plays.
Why Ward Can Fail: Ward has shown a tendency to play hero ball, particularly during his time at Miami, where his coaches have accepted some blame for his decisions. If this behavior continues into his rookie season, it could lead to a rocky start, especially considering the Titans' recent struggles. Furthermore, the new Titans regime still has much to prove, and head coach Brian Callahan has yet to establish a consistent offensive system. The Titans have work to do to support their new quarterback adequately.
Why Milroe Can Succeed: A few months ago, a personnel executive noted that Milroe's standout performances, especially against Georgia, showcased his potential to be the top pick in the draft. Although he didn’t deliver consistent performances, his fit with the Seattle Seahawks seems ideal. The Seahawks are expected to implement a run-heavy offense that leverages Milroe’s electric athleticism. Even with Sam Darnold signed as the starter, the Seahawks plan to incorporate packages for Milroe, especially if Darnold's performance falters. With improvements to their offensive line and backfield, the Seahawks won’t demand Milroe to carry the team immediately, allowing for gradual development.
Why Milroe Can Fail: If Darnold plays well and stays healthy, Milroe may find himself sidelined for the season. Additionally, Milroe needs to enhance his passing skills and be willing to utilize his running ability, an area he has improved over the past year. As a developmental prospect, he faces stiff competition within the tough NFC West, with Darnold likely getting every chance to lead the Seahawks toward a division title.
Why Dart Can Succeed: Coach Brian Daboll has a commendable history of developing quarterbacks, having previously aided Josh Allen with the Buffalo Bills. Dart possesses a strong throwing ability and showcases athleticism and competitiveness, making him a valuable asset in designed run plays. With a solid lineup of skill players, including receivers Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton, as well as running backs Tyrone Tracy Jr. and rookie Cam Skattebo, Dart’s transition to the NFL should be supported.
Why Dart Can Fail: The pressure on the Giants to perform in 2025 is immense, as Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen must deliver results to retain their positions. If the team struggles early, Dart may be thrust into action sooner than expected. Should the Giants fail to achieve results and change coaching staff, Dart could find himself starting over in a new system, complicating his development further.
Why Shough Can Succeed: Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 219 pounds, Shough possesses the ideal size and arm strength for an NFL quarterback. As he turns 26 in September, his maturity is an asset, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Derek Carr's shoulder injury. Shough has a clear path to starting as a rookie, particularly as the Saints navigate their quarterback situation under offensive-minded coach Kellen Moore.
Why Shough Can Fail: The Saints have struggled offensively, with past seasons under coach Dennis Allen failing to yield success. With another change in play-calling, Shough’s future remains uncertain. As a second-round pick, the Saints may not feel obligated to stick with him beyond 2025, especially with a promising crop of quarterbacks expected in the 2026 draft.
Why Howard Can Succeed: Howard showcased his potential during the College Football Playoff, leading Ohio State to the national championship, proving he can handle the pressures of playing for a storied franchise like the Pittsburgh Steelers. With a strong frame at 6-foot-4 and 236 pounds, he fits the rugged style of play in the AFC North. The Steelers prioritize a strong running game and defense, which will alleviate pressure from Howard. With an improving offensive line and talented weapons like DK Metcalf and Pat Freiermuth, he has support to thrive.
Why Howard Can Fail: Despite his impressive performances, Howard benefited from playing on a top-tier team. The uncertainty of how much credit he deserves for his college success raises questions about his transition to the NFL. Additionally, with the potential addition of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Howard may face delays in getting playing time, especially if the Steelers choose to draft another quarterback in 2026.
Why Sanders Can Succeed: Motivated to prove critics wrong, Sanders is a complex evaluation due to previous personality concerns. If he can mature and embrace leadership, his talent on the field could shine through. The Cleveland Browns currently find themselves in a bridge period at quarterback, with Deshaun Watson likely out for the 2025 season. Sanders will compete with both veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco for the starting role, providing him a chance to demonstrate his abilities early.
Why Sanders Can Fail: There are numerous hurdles for Sanders to overcome, including adapting from Colorado's simplistic offensive system to the complexities of the NFL. His focus on football must take precedence over personal branding, and he’ll need to navigate a challenging roster situation with the Browns. Even if he performs well, the possibility of the Browns selecting another quarterback in 2026 looms large.
Why Gabriel Can Succeed: The Browns clearly favor Gabriel, having selected him significantly earlier than Sanders. A former Heisman Trophy candidate, Gabriel has shown productivity at UCF and Oklahoma. His ability to quickly distribute the ball aligns well with coach Kevin Stefanski’s offensive scheme, and if he adapts to the playbook faster than Sanders, he could gain an edge in their competition.
Why Gabriel Can Fail: At 5-foot-11, Gabriel's height is a potential drawback, and he may struggle to overcome both Pickett and Flacco in the depth chart. If both veterans remain on the roster, Gabriel could find himself with limited practice opportunities. Furthermore, if he fails to impress early, the Browns may reconsider their quarterback situation in the following draft, putting Gabriel's future in jeopardy.
