Read Dane Brugler’s 2025 ‘The Beast’ NFL Draft guide.
Aside from Cam Ward, there is no clear agreement on the drafting positions of this year’s quarterback class. Once Ward presumably becomes a Tennessee Titan, the rest of the quarterbacks remain an enigma. There’s an equal chance that Ward is the sole quarterback selected on Thursday night as there is that up to four are taken in the first round.
Fortunately, we’ll navigate through the ambiguity and match the top quarterback prospects with the teams that best suit them. Sometimes this connection is based on the specific type of quarterback a team needs; other times, it involves identifying the best situation to leverage a particular skill set.
Cam Ward: Tennessee Titans
All indications suggest Ward will be the Titans’ starting quarterback in the upcoming season. There’s little reason to explore other QB options at this stage. Ward fits well into Brian Callahan’s offensive system, bringing skills that were lacking in last year’s Titans quarterbacks.
The Titans’ offense in 2024 focused on maximizing play-action and attacking downfield. Ward possesses the arm strength and the audacity to thrive in that setup. In college, he also significantly enhanced his quick-game skills, showcasing more comfort in spread and empty formations than Will Levis. Moreover, Ward excels at creating plays outside the pocket, far surpassing both Levis and Mason Rudolph.
Shedeur Sanders: New Orleans Saints
Identifying the best fit for Sanders proved to be more challenging than expected. While Kevin Stefanski’s longer passing-focused offense in Cleveland isn’t ideal, Brian Daboll’s quicker passing schemes in New York might work—albeit with a struggling offensive line that won’t sufficiently take advantage of Sanders’ abilities.
However, the prospect of Sanders being Kellen Moore’s first quarterback choice is quite compelling. Sanders excels in spread concepts, particularly in short-area passing. He effectively uses the intermediate and deep fields to keep defenses honest rather than focusing solely on those areas, making him a solid match for a West Coast-inspired offense.
Jaxson Dart: Seattle Seahawks
It would be surprising if the Seahawks leave the first two days of the draft without a quarterback. The contract Sam Darnold signed in March is effectively a one-year deal with options, signaling a developmental quarterback may be on the horizon.
Dart fits well into the scheme under Klint Kubiak and vice versa. He bears a resemblance to Jimmy Garoppolo in terms of build, arm talent, and central-field throws. Many of Dart’s successful throws consist of slants and posts, similar to Garoppolo’s best performances in San Francisco. Kubiak’s run-focused system is conducive to simplifying reads for Dart while prominently featuring short throws over the middle, an area where he performs exceptionally.
Tyler Shough: Cleveland Browns
The Browns’ optimal path for acquiring a quarterback revolves around selecting a Day 2 player ready to start immediately, and Shough stands out in that regard.
Shough is arguably the most skilled thrower in the draft aside from Ward. His versatile yet explosive release is effective from different platforms in and out of the pocket. While he tends to be more about powerful, linear throws than touch, he still exhibits accuracy and quality processing. Shough shares similarities with Ryan Tannehill in terms of processing speed; he’s somewhat methodical early in plays but maintains solid ball security.
Jalen Milroe: Los Angeles Rams
If Sean McVay intends to keep the offense consistent in a future without Matthew Stafford, Milroe might not be the right choice—he represents a stark contrast to Stafford’s style.
However, McVay has shown interest in mobile quarterbacks. Milroe will enter the league as one of the most athletic players at his position. As a passer, he will need a year to adjust his footwork and grasp the NFL’s speed of play, which could relieve the pressure of competing with Stafford.
Riley Leonard: New York Giants
Brian Daboll’s most impressive work outside of Josh Allen was with Jalen Hurts at Alabama in 2017 and Daniel Jones in 2022.
Although Hurts and Jones are distinct in quality, they both can be characterized as robust, athletic quarterbacks with abilities to stretch the field. They have added to the offense through their mobility, and Daboll capitalized on that.
Kyle McCord: Dallas Cowboys
Finding reliable backup quarterbacks is challenging, as evidenced by the Cowboys’ successful tenure with Cooper Rush. With Rush now in Baltimore, the Cowboys seek a suitable replacement.
McCord may be their best option. While he may not be overwhelmingly talented, with a decent arm and efficiency running the offense, McCord mastered the rhythm and decision-making at Syracuse, even if he may not rise above a solid backup level.
Will Howard: Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers must secure a quarterback, especially in light of Aaron Rodgers’ potential signing. Howard fits into Arthur Smith’s offense well, leaning into a run-first strategy while demonstrating size and arm talent that allows for deep throws.
Although it’s hard to see Howard developing the necessary accuracy to thrive as a starter, Smith’s system could provide a platform for him to maximize his strengths.
Dillon Gabriel: Miami Dolphins
Pairing a short left-handed quarterback as a backup to another left-handed QB may seem peculiar, but it makes sense considering their playing styles.
Gabriel, like Tua Tagovailoa, excels with RPOs and intermediate throws. His adaptable and explosive release equips him to handle RPOs efficiently, and he displays impressive velocity on in-breaking routes. The Dolphins urgently need a backup quarterback, and Gabriel fits that role well.
Quinn Ewers: Buffalo Bills
Not every player is the ideal match for a team in these scenarios. Sometimes, teams must be content with available options.
The Bills should consider a young backup quarterback since Mitchell Trubisky contracts are ending. Acquiring a developmental player now would be wise.
Ewers would provide arm talent and athleticism for Joe Brady, even though he struggles with touch and pocket presence. Still, there’s enough ability for him to develop into a functional backup.
(Top photo of Jaxson Dart: Justin Ford / Getty Images)
