Why Some Teams Won Big—and Others Blew It—Drafting QBs in 2025

By Dorrington Myers 

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Quarterbacks drive the NFL—and every year, teams bet their futures on the next big signal caller. The 2025 NFL Draft wasn’t loaded with can’t-miss prospects at the top, but it offered plenty of intrigue, risks and potential steals across all seven rounds. Some teams found future faces of their franchise. Others took chances that left many scratching their heads.

Here’s my full breakdown of every quarterback selected, along with grades based solely on the picks at the QB position.

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Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans, Grade: A

Round 1, No. 1 overall: There was no doubt about this selection. The Titans swung big—and connected. Ward brings a unique skill set that will transform their offense for the better.

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Jaxson Dart, New York Giants, Grade: B-

Round 1, No. 25 overall: The Giants were in search of a mobile quarterback. Dart isn’t the most athletic option they could have taken, but he can move the ball through the air and improvise when needed. Coach Brian Daboll has seen this combination work before with Josh Allen.

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Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints, Grade: C

Round 2, No. 40 overall: Shough brings plenty of experience, but his long history of injuries makes him a risky pick. The Saints desperately need stability at quarterback—and it’s unclear if he can provide it. He can spin it, but durability will define his future.

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Jalen Milroe, Seattle Seahawks, Grade: B-

Round 3, No. 92 overall: Milroe has the intangibles teams dream about, along with a rare running ability you simply can’t teach. That said, his passing mechanics still need major work. Seattle’s staff will have to invest heavily in his development to unlock his full potential.

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Dillon Gabriel, Cleveland Browns, Grade: B

Round 3, No. 94 overall: Doubts about Gabriel’s frame and arm strength are fair, but his big-play ability remains intact. He brings a ton of starting experience and leadership to the table. At worst, he profiles as a strong backup.

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Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns, Grade: B

Round 5, No. 144 overall: The attacks on Sanders feel personal at this point. Like him or not, he’s ready for the league. A dynamic pro-style passer with elite arm talent, Sanders should not have slipped out of the first round.

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Kyle McCord, Philadelphia Eagles, Grade: B

Round 6, No. 181 overall: The Eagles got a good one in McCord. He understands the game at a high level and has the tools to compete whenever his number is called. A sneaky solid addition.

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Will Howard, Pittsburgh Steelers, Grade: A

Round 6, No. 185 overall: This might be the steal of the draft at quarterback. Howard, fresh off the 2025 National Championship, proves he’s a winner and competitor. The Steelers struck gold here.

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Riley Leonard, Indianapolis Colts, Grade: B-

Round 6, No. 189 overall: I’m not mad at this pick. Leonard is tough, smart and highly competitive. Once he sharpens his passing game, he has real starter potential.

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Graham Mertz, Houston Texans, Grade: C

Round 6, No. 197 overall: This pick left me scratching my head. Mertz struggled with consistency and durability throughout his career. He has the arm talent, but the Texans are banking on significant development for him to stick.

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Tommy Mollett, Las Vegas Raiders, Grade: B

Round 6, No. 213 overall: Mollett has been labeled as a “Taysom Hill 2.0,” and it’s easy to see why. With blazing 4.39 speed and explosive athleticism, there are already whispers about a potential position change to wide receiver. But don’t overlook his ability to play quarterback—Mollett can spin it with real zip and has impressive pocket presence for a player with his athletic profile. He shows natural instincts when the play breaks down and knows how to react under pressure. I like him staying at QB, and with the right development, he could become a true weapon in the Raiders’ offense. 

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Cam Miller, Las Vegas Raiders, Grade: B

Round 6, No. 215 overall: Miller is a poised, natural passer and solid decision-maker. Sitting behind Geno Smith should be the perfect learning environment for him to grow.

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Kurtis Rourke, San Francisco 49ers, Grade: B

Round 7, No. 227 overall: I love this pick for the 49ers. Rourke fits their scheme perfectly. An unfortunate injury dropped his draft stock, but he’s a gifted passer built for the grind of the league.

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Quinn Ewers, Miami Dolphins, Grade: B

Round 7, No. 231 overall: Another steal late in the draft. There were questions about whether Ewers should’ve stayed another year, but he bet on himself—and landed in a great fit. In Miami’s RPO-heavy offense, he has a ton of upside.

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The 2025 quarterback class didn’t feature the usual top-heavy superstar names, but it made up for it with depth, intrigue and late-round value. Teams that swung for upside—like Pittsburgh with Howard, and Miami with Ewers—could be rewarded in a big way down the line. 

Meanwhile, safer bets like Ward at No. 1 showed that some organizations weren’t willing to overthink the obvious. While a few picks raised eyebrows (looking at you, New Orleans and Houston), overall, it was a fascinating year for quarterback movement. As always, time will tell who hit the jackpot—and who missed badly.